CORK, Ireland — Derek Blighe, a prominent anti-immigration activist and former European election candidate, has appeared in Cork District Court charged with harassing a member of An Garda Síochána.
Mr. Blighe, 45, with an address in Carraghhavoe, Mitchelstown, faces a charge of harassment that allegedly occurred on various dates between February 23, 2023, and December 4, 2023. Detective Sergeant Christopher Cahill gave evidence of arresting Mr. Blighe at Ballygiblin, Cork, at 7.20 am today, before bringing him to Togher Garda Station where he was formally charged. When cautioned, Mr. Blighe responded with “No comment.”
The court heard that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has directed that the case be dealt with by summary disposal at the District Court, provided the defendant enters a signed plea of guilty. Judge Mary Dorgan noted that the charge was at the “very high end” of what the court would accept, and she would only accept jurisdiction on a signed guilty plea.
Defence solicitor Frank Buttimer applied for a six-to-eight week adjournment to allow him time to obtain the evidential material and to take instructions from his client. He also informed the court that an application for free legal aid would be made at the next hearing, stating that while his client is employed, his means need to be assessed.
Judge Dorgan granted bail to Mr. Blighe subject to several strict conditions. He must sign a bond of €500 and sign on twice weekly at Fermoy Garda Station. The conditions also stipulate that he is to have no direct or indirect contact with the victim or any witness in the case. Furthermore, he is prohibited from posting any videos or communications related to the matter online and must be in possession of a charged mobile phone for Gardaí to contact him. The case has been adjourned to a later date.
