Judge in Cork adjourns case involving claims of menacing phone messages allegedly sent by soccer player

A sum of €800 has been gathered by a 23-year-old man on a semi-professional contract with a Welsh soccer club to offer to a man he threatened in Cork with offensive phone messages more than three years ago.

Issa Kargbo, who had been living at Blackrock Mews, Convent Road, Blackrock, had the case against him adjourned by Judge John King until September 18 so that Judge Mary Dorgan could finalise the case, as she was familiar with the background to the matter.

Judge King said, after consideration of the file in the case:

“They are terrible messages — I am just looking at them here. I won’t be finalising it. I will put it back for Judge Dorgan.”

Defence solicitor Killian McCarthy said the accused had come back from Wales anticipating penalty at Cork District Court.

Garda Chris Campbell previously charged Mr Kargbo that between March 19, 2022, and March 26, 2022, at Glasheen, Cork, he sent a phone message that was obscene and menacing, contrary to the Post Office Act as amended by the Communications Regulations (Amendment) Act.

The judge noted from the victim impact statement that the experience had terrible consequences for the complainant’s peace and safety, as well as his psychological, emotional and financial well-being. 

He felt he had to leave his place of work and alter some of his basic routines in light of where he had first encountered the accused.

“I am a hard-working citizen of this country who orders my conduct with the law. 

"I am least of all entitled to live my life without threats but most importantly without the burden of having to worry about my personal safety and well-being,” the victim stated.