A Dublin publican has appeared at Dublin District Court charged with four sample counts of harassment. The court heard that between February and June of this year, John Crowe of Fortfield Drive in Terenure made numerous abusive phone calls to staff working in various government agencies and departments.
He had also called in person several times and harassed staff. On one occasion, the court heard, a member of staff at the office of the Director of Equality went home in tears as a result of threatening and abusive calls and messages.
They included threats to call the staff member's parents and children. On another occasion Mr Crowe made 36 abusive phone calls in one morning to the Department of Justice. One telephonist dealt with the bulk of these.
Mr Crowe also harassed the Director of Equality Investigations, Melanie Pine, and a telephonist at Leinster House.
The court heard that, during this time, Gardaí cautioned Mr Crowe twice. Gardaí told the court that Mr Crowe was arrested on 12 June and after a lengthy interview admitted that he had a problem with bureaucracy and red tape.
Mr Crowe now accepts that his behaviour was totally unacceptable. The court heard that the publican intends to enrol in an anger management course. He was remanded on continuing bail until January.
