Wicklow man accused of false migrant claim permitted to protest but not near IPAS centres

A Wicklow man accused of publishing a social media post containing false claims about a migrant in international protection accommodation was allowed to resume attending protests, provided he does not go near IPAS centres. He appeared in Bray District Court. He faces allegations under the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act 2020, known as Coco’s Law, for allegedly distributing or publishing a threatening or grossly offensive communication with intent to cause harm. The alleged post included a photograph of a migrant man sleeping on a bus and claimed the man exposed himself to a 14-year-old girl. It also allegedly blamed people who welcomed or helped integrate men like him. Bail conditions were amended to remove a blanket protest restriction while keeping distance from IPAS centres.

"Kirk Loco (44), of Waverley Meadow, Broomhall, Co Wicklow, appeared before a sitting of Bray District Court. It is alleged that on June 21, 2024, at his home, he distributed or published a threatening or grossly offensive communication with intent to cause harm, contrary to Section 4(1) and (3) of the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act 2020. The legislation is commonly known as Coco's Law and was introduced following the death of Nicole 'Coco' Fox in 2018, after she experienced sustained online abuse."

"It created specific criminal offences targeting harmful online communications and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images. Mr Loco is accused of publishing a social media post that included a photograph of a migrant man living in international protection accommodation in Newtownmountkennedy while sleeping on a bus. It is alleged that in the post he falsely claimed the man had exposed himself to a 14-year-old girl during the journey. The post also allegedly stated that anybody who welcomed men like the man in the photograph, or helped them integrate into the community, was to blame."

"Counsel for the defendant, Laoise de Brún, instructed by Langsch & Cunnane Solicitors LLP, told the court that an application was being made to amend bail conditions, as previous conditions required Loco to stay away from IPAS centres and protests. Ms de Brún argued the condition should be removed, as the charge before the court related to an alleged tweet and online publication and had "nothing to do with anything in a public setting". She further stated that the conditions were "disproportionate" and that "he is a citizen of Ireland"."

Read at Irish Independent