Man back in court after targeting same victim
24-year-old Conor Haugh A FARM worker who stalked an older married woman pleaded yesterday with a judge not to jail him because “I want to go milking next year”.
At Ennis Circuit Court in Clare, Conor Haugh, 24, made the appeal after Judge Gerald Keys heard he has re-offended again by contacting his victim.
In November last year, he imposed a two-year suspended jail term after he admitted harassing the 43-year-old between February 2014 and January 2015.
In sentencing, Judge Keys warned him: “If there is any contact whatsoever, orally, by text or phone with the woman or members of her immediate family or any other breach, you will serve the two years.”
Yesterday prosecutor Aisling Casey said the State was re-entering the case.
Judge Keys added: “If the only way to stop him doing it is to put him in jail, then I will put him in jail.
“It is very simple, you are not to make contact. Full stop. This is not the first time that you have been before me on this.
“Other judges would say, ‘I am fed up you being brought here’ and throw the book at you.”
Haugh, of Killballyowen, Cross, Co Clare, said: “I farm at home with my father. We have 80 cows and I want to go milking next year. Please your honour.”
Judge Keys said: “Do you realise what you have been doing is wrong?”
Haugh replied: “I was taking cocaine and cannabis. My head was all over the place.”
Defence counsel Yvonne Quinn said her client is now drug-free and is hoping to secure residential treatment early in the New Year to get treatment.
Ms Casey added: “It is worrying for the State and is a difficulty for the injured party who is very concerned.
“The worrying part of the case is it is something that is continuing.”
The case was adjourned and Haugh was again warned if he reoffended he would be brought back to the court.
If the only way to stop him is to put him in jail, I’ll put him in jail JUDGE GERALD KEYS
ENNIS CIRCUIT COURT