Ross Lahive set to face trial by judge and jury on charge of harassing librarian

The DPP has decided on trial by indictment in the case against Ross Lahive of The Irish People’s Party on a charge of harassing a librarian at Cork City Library in 2023 arising out of protests about a publication called ‘This Book is Gay’ appearing on a shelf for teenagers.

Sergeant John Dineen said the Director of Public Prosecutions had decided that the case is to proceed by indictment whereby it will go to trial by judge and jury at Cork Circuit Criminal Court. 

Alternatively, the defendant could enter a signed plea of guilty at Cork District Court and be sent to the circuit court for sentencing.

Diarmuid Kelleher solicitor asked for a full disclosure of prosecution evidence so that the defence can decide if it will be a matter of trial or a plea of guilty.

Judge John King adjourned the case until November 3 at Cork District Court to allow time for that.

Recordings which the accused allegedly made of his interactions with the librarian were posted on his Facebook page accompanied by comments describing the book as ‘grooming’, Sergeant Gearóid Davis said previously. He alleged that each of eight videos was accompanied by comments from parties, allegedly including Ross Lahive, variously describing the librarians as the epitome of evil, diabolical and doing Satan’s work.

Diarmuid Kelleher solicitor said 46-year-old Ross Lahive of Church Street, Shandon Street, Cork, was on Jobseekers Allowance, and was previously granted free legal aid.

The single charge against the defendant sflahtates that on dates between February 26 and May 6 2023 within the state he harassed a librarian, contrary to the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act.

In one video, quoted by Sgt. Davis previously, the following messages appeared: “All we are doing is exposing grooming. We are extremely troubled by this shocking grooming… People are not willing to put up with grooming 12-year-old children… Sick-minded individuals given these positions because they are part of the cult… ‘Diabolical’ is appropriate… Now they say they feel intimidated… She will be exposed before long… What degenerates.

“This book is grooming. My blood boils when they try to defend this obscene filth. They will regret their stance on this before long. Twisted individuals, 100 per cent doing Satan’s work… They are the epitome of evil. They are perverts and get off on trying to gaslight the public. I hope she learned a lesson. They are vile enablers. They encourage this filth, knowingly defending the indefensible.”