News

Man sentenced over McCarthy threat

Thursday, 10 December 2009 20:18

A 30-year-old man who pleaded guilty to his part in making a threatening phone call to former Cork hurling manager Gerald McCarthy earlier this year has been given a nine-month jail sentence.

Eight months of the sentence imposed on Trevor O'Reilly, who lives with the Simon Community in Cork, have been suspended, and O'Reilly has been freed on bail pending an appeal.

Cork District Court heard that during the strike by members of the Cork hurling panel in protest at Gerald McCarthy's continued management of the team, Mr McCarthy's son Paul answered a phone call on the night of 5 March last.

The caller said Gerald McCarthy would get a bullet in the back of the head if he didn't stand down as manager.

Trevor O'Reilly pleaded guilty to sending a message by phone to Gerald McCarthy which was menacing in character.

The court heard that O'Reilly had a history of mental illness and his solicitor Tom Coughlan said his client didn't have the capacity to carry out the threat.

Mr Coughlan said Mr O'Reilly denied making the call but admitted facilitating another person to do so.

Today Gerald McCarthy asked the court for leniency for Trevor O'Reilly.

Speaking afterwards Gerald McCarthy said he was glad that justice was done. He said what happened had been shameful and appalling and should never have happened.