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Garda Detective Eve Doherty Paddy Cummins

Garda Detective who sent abusive letters to State solicitor is jailed for three years

Eve Doherty was found guilty of harassing Elizabeth Howlin following a two-week trial last July.

A DETECTIVE FOUND guilty of harassing a State solicitor by sending her abusive letters has been jailed for three years.

Judge Melanie Greally said that while Eve Doherty, 50, is considered at low risk of re-offending she maintains her innocence and has shown no remorse for the crimes.

Doherty, with an address in Blackglen Road, Sandyford, Dublin, was found guilty by a jury at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court of harassing Elizabeth Howlin between September 2011 and March 2013 following a two-week trial last July.

She was found not guilty of two counts of making false statements on two dates in March 2012, in which she claimed Howlin was perverting the course of justice.

At the time in question, Howlin worked with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) where she was involved in deciding whether or not to direct prosecutions in criminal cases. Doherty held the position of detective sergeant and worked in the crime and security division of An Garda Siochana.

The trial heard that over an 18-month period, letters and emails were sent to Howlin’s home, her place of work and to her GP calling her a “corrupt bitch”, an “incompetent useless hobbit” and a “two-faced bitch”.

Victim impact statement

The court heard Howlin didn’t know Doherty until the trial and that Doherty was then in a relationship with the victim’s ex-partner. A victim impact statement was handed to the court from Howlin but was not read out.

Judge Greally said the communications by Doherty contained outright and scurrilous lies. They contained statements which were variously disparaging, insulting and offensive, both in a personal and professional manner.

She noted that at the time, Doherty had come into conflict with garda management and was under considerable stress. She said that the death of Doherty’s mother had a profound effect on her and she had never entirely come to terms with that loss.

A medical report stated that she continues to suffer from suicidal ideation and noted a decline in her cognitive functioning. She suffers from paranoia and believes that the evidence in the trial was fabricated by gardai to frame her.

Kerida Naidoo SC, prosecuting, said Doherty sent emails from a Dublin city centre internet cafe to hundreds of recipients using anonymous email accounts. The court heard she holds a degree in Cybercrime and diplomas in Psychology and Legal Studies.

Following a garda investigation that involved contacting the Canadian email server company, Hushnet, gardaí tracked down the internet cafe from which the emails were being sent. Doherty was arrested after she sent an anonymous email from the cafe while wearing sunglasses and a wig.

As well as letters and emails, Doherty dispensed leaflets around Howlin’s housing estate, falsely claiming that Howlin was a political appointee and that she would “pull” files to prevent the prosecution of anyone connected to her or the government. Howlin is a distant cousin of the TD and labour party leader, Brendan Howlin.

Psychological report

Doherty was suspended from An Garda Siochana but is currently still a serving member of the force, the court previously heard. After her arrest, she spent a month in St John of God psychiatric hospital. She has no previous convictions.

Defence counsel, Michael O’Higgins SC, said Doherty had a “singular ambition” to become a garda and she rose through the ranks to the level of detective sergeant.

“It was a job and a career which, for the most part, she found enriching and rewarding,” O’Higgins said.

He said Doherty had a difficult work environment and had some “fractious” relationships within the job, due in part to her “complete lack of diplomacy” with regard to her thoughts on how things were run.

A 13-page psychological report was handed to court, which found Doherty suffered from severe work-related stress, depression, anxiety, paranoia and suicidal ideation. She suffers from nightmares, insomnia, headaches and chest pain and is on antidepressant medication, the court heard.

“This is not something that can be explained simply by malice or badness,” O’Higgins said, adding it was a “complicated” case involving psychological issues.

He said the offence was committed by a person who was suffering from depression, paranoia and significant levels of stress.

“That goes some way in my submission to analysing the content and understanding it better,” he said.

O’Higgins said the content of the material was “nasty” but he urged Judge Greally to also consider Doherty’s prior “exemplary” character.

A number of character references were handed up in court, including one from a retired detective sergeant who worked with Doherty. The court heard she loves dogs and has been involved in dog rescues in the past.

“She has a good and productive life and she has done good and productive things,” O’Higgins said.

“She has spread great kindness in her life to other people.”

Judge Greally rejected a defence submission to impose a suspended sentence, noting the lack of a guilty plea and the lack of any evident remorse.

Read: Garda Detective Eve Doherty guilty of harassing State solicitor to be placed in custody on Monday

More: Jealousy, whistleblowing and 18 months of letters: How a garda was found guilty of harassment

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    Mute Marty H
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:17 PM

    One of the most detested men in Irish politics ever

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    Mute Justin Gillespie
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:22 PM

    @Marty H: Gerry, Bertie & Phil would be the top three.

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    Mute Marty H
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:57 PM

    @Justin Gillespie: Gerry?

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    Mute Justin Gillespie
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    Aug 27th 2020, 4:07 PM

    @Marty H: Nailed on top three.

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    Mute Marty H
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    Aug 27th 2020, 4:25 PM

    @Justin Gillespie: what about Charlie?

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    Mute Justin Gillespie
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    Aug 27th 2020, 4:54 PM

    @Marty H: Charlie was a rogue, not in the same league as the other three.

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    Mute Roger Dawson
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    Aug 27th 2020, 4:56 PM

    @Justin Gillespie: Mehole & Donnelly are in the top 5

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    Mute Michael Clinton
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:19 PM

    A man that managed to rub a whole nation up the wrong way and become totally hated.
    He pused and bullied his way to the top and basically sneered at everyone.
    He bullied the property tax into revenue
    He tried to bully water charges and even suggested cutting supply to a trickle.
    The people waiting in the long grass waited patiently and struck when hogans arrogance got the better of him.

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    Mute Euro McPúnty
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    Aug 27th 2020, 4:34 PM

    @Michael Clinton: a proud Fine Gael man.

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    Mute Roger Dawson
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    Aug 27th 2020, 4:52 PM

    @Michael Clinton: No Politician is indispensable only exception for Ireland was
    CS Parnell .

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    Mute Joan Murray
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    Aug 27th 2020, 6:59 PM

    @Michael Clinton: actually, he rubbed a vocal minority rabble up the wrong way. Majority of householders signed up to the water charges and understand water doesnt fall from the skies straight into our taps, and that it is better if our sh##t is not pumped untreated into Dublin Bay, or the waters off Lehinch strand.

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    Mute Michael Clinton
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    Aug 27th 2020, 7:10 PM

    @Joan Murray:
    Well why didn’t the *so called majority* get off their larded backsides to protest to pay the tax…
    I’ll tell you why Joan, it was because YOU are the minority.
    People like you like to look down their noses at others, if you feel so bad then stop the nearest politician and hand him/her your money.
    As for effluent going into Dublin bay, that only happens when flooding and rain deluges the tanks.

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    Mute SC
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    Aug 31st 2020, 6:09 AM

    @Joan Murray: it was an attempt to privatise that bothered me. I have money and can pay but will not allow privatisation.

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    Mute Stephen Walsh
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:04 PM

    FG & FF are rotten to the core end of

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    Mute Justin Gillespie
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:16 PM

    @Stephen Walsh: as opposed to SF who are shining lights of rectitude, probity & are unfailingly kind to furry animals.
    How lucky we are to have them.

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    Mute Jacks R. Back
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:17 PM

    @Justin Gillespie: Sinn Féin are living in your head rent free Justin.

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    Mute Justin Gillespie
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:20 PM

    @Jacks R. Back: Your right Jack, it is a constant marvel to me how they manage to fool so many people all of the time. Admirable in a strange sort of way.

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    Mute Jacks R. Back
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:23 PM

    @Justin Gillespie: Are you talking about FF or FG there Justin?

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    Mute Brian Madden
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:25 PM

    @Justin Gillespie: fool so many people? They have never been on government in the republic. FFG have been in government for over one hundred years. We have had Charlie and bertie and the burke’s and the Flynn’s. The list goes on and so much corruption.

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    Mute Justin Gillespie
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:26 PM

    @Jacks R. Back: All of them Jack, every single one of them.

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    Mute Justin Gillespie
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:32 PM

    @Brian Madden: Do you honestly think SF are any better? Stormont has been a shambles, the bullying at County Council level is well documented not to mention the Bobby Storey funeral circus, Martina Anderson & the Monaghan Co Councillor who decided to self isolate with her entire family in Donegal after a foreign holiday.
    FF FG & SF are all the same, do as I say not as I do.

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    Mute Brian Flavin
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:33 PM

    @Stephen Walsh: Gobsh*t ALL FFFGGP

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    Mute DCforChange
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:56 PM

    @Justin Gillespie: what about People before profit, The Greens etc. There’s more opposition parties than SF. Can you not just admit FF & FG are rotten to the core. Stop comparing.

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    Mute Justin Gillespie
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    Aug 27th 2020, 4:10 PM

    @DCforChange: I don’t know how many different ways I can put this, every single one of them.
    The parties you name are not alone corrupt but incompetent with it. The reason I name SF is because they are big enough to be leaders in a future government.

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    Mute ÓDuibhír Abú
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    Aug 27th 2020, 4:30 PM

    @Brian Madden: And the; Roman Church, how low on Morals they are that they couldn’t speak up.!!

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    Mute Justin Gillespie
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    Aug 27th 2020, 5:02 PM

    @ÓDuibhír Abú: Add in the Muslims, Sikhs, Jehovahs & jou begin to get the idea. Nobody is perfect, we are all corrupt & none of us has the right to point the finger at anyone else, we have all pulled strokes & taken shortcuts even with regard to Covid.
    Loads of people who fly in do not respond to follow up phone calls. Up to 50% of those who are supposed to be tested as close contacts do not turn up for their second test.
    Will they all get fired? Will they f__k!!

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    Mute Roger Dawson
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    Aug 27th 2020, 5:10 PM

    @Stephen Walsh: 100 years of FFFG with the backing of the Labour Party.
    100 years of kissing Archbishops and Bishops rings and cover up’s.
    And we still vote for them
    Why

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    Mute The Risen
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:19 PM

    Bye bye Philip. Don’t let the door hit ya where the good Lord split ya…..

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    Mute D'oh
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    Aug 27th 2020, 8:06 PM

    @The Risen: Farewell Fat Phil.

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    Mute Liam Dempsey
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:34 PM

    The Irish people know and admire a good politician when they see one. They also know a know a high toned skunk when they smell one. When Phil came from Brussels he rode rough shod over Ireland’s covid rules as if he was the law or God almighty. The law didn’t apply to him only the little people but he soon found out. The Irish people had their say eventually.

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    Mute Roger Dawson
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    Aug 27th 2020, 5:04 PM

    @Liam Dempsey: Have you got a minute
    Tell us who you had in mind That is a good politician that we as Irish people admire.

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    Mute Justin Gillespie
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:18 PM

    Phil Hogan is the happiest man in Ireland, big pensions, can play golf to his hearts content & will get to pick & choose his next big job.

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    Mute Jacks R. Back
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:24 PM

    @Justin Gillespie: You’re right, the cartel always look after their own.

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    Mute Justin Gillespie
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:35 PM

    @Jacks R. Back: Its the way of the world Jack. Always has been always will be.

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    Mute Jacks R. Back
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:45 PM

    @Justin Gillespie: Especially if you refuse to countenance change.

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    Mute Justin Gillespie
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    Aug 27th 2020, 4:12 PM

    @Jacks R. Back: Theses the problem Jack, there will be no change, different faces maybe, same corruption.

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    Mute Jimmy Mac
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:16 PM

    He is one of the most arrogant think I ever heard, over payed big headed F—Kers , glad to see him get the sack.

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    Mute Dave Collins
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:40 PM

    Phil…C U Next Tuesday!

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    Mute Michael Clinton
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:50 PM

    You will find this boyo heading up a vulture fun soon enough.

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    Mute boss hogg
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    Aug 27th 2020, 4:14 PM

    @Michael Clinton: just remember enda Kenny now works as an advisor for an American vulture fund within Ireland.him and that weasel Hayes are two beauties

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    Mute Tom Heffernan
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    Aug 27th 2020, 4:14 PM

    And all he will be remembered for will be This debacle he got himself into!

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    Mute kevin mc cormack
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    Aug 27th 2020, 6:07 PM

    I read recently he also said Ireland should look at raising it corporate tax, in order to access COVID-19 grants from Europe,he has a cheek to call himself an Irishman, he’d sell the shirt off his own back,

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    Mute Logan Shepherd
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:04 PM

    Ah come on lads. As your one in Frozen said “let it go”

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    Mute Johnny Merren
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:31 PM

    Great letter in Irish Times today
    Sir – Obfuscation, evasion and the recitation of rules are essential in trade negotiations.

    Phil Hogan should be the next director general of the World Trade Organisation. – Yours, etc,

    Dr JOHN DOHERTY,

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    Mute Niall Sheridan
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:49 PM

    From…..
    To some handy number / sinecure somewhere – “well done good and faithful servant “!!

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    Mute Chewey Bacca
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:03 PM

    National Hero ! Standing up to the CCP and living life to the full. We’ll all be doing this in 12 months. Ahead of his time.

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    Mute Lorcan O'Neill
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    Aug 27th 2020, 9:41 PM

    I know nothing about this man but when I see him the only thing that comes to mind is that he looks like a bully !

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    Mute Maurice Dodd
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    Aug 28th 2020, 10:25 PM

    @Lorcan O’Neill: google his previous form lor an he’s a truly vile pos

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    Mute Maurice Dodd
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    Aug 28th 2020, 10:24 PM

    Big pig Phil

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