Arrest made in Westport bullying case

Arrest made in Westport bullying case


Neill O’Neill
neilloneill@mayonews.ie

GARDAÍ in Westport have made an arrest in relation to a campaign of harassment against a 14-year-old boy in the town. The sustained campaign against Harry Langan was waged by text message over ten months, prompting his parents to go public with their plight in The Mayo News last May in an attempt to clear their son’s name.
The Gardaí’s detailed investigation and evidence-gathering operation, underway since last spring, finally led to the arrest last Thursday lunchtime. The suspect was approached by gardaí and removed under caution from a business premises on Bridge Street in the town.
From its previous involvement in the case, The Mayo News can report that the investigation also involved a high level of cooperation between local gardaí, mobile-phone operator Vodafone and specialist gardaí from the force’s national headquarters in The Phoenix Park in Dublin.
After questioning last Thursday, the man, who is aged in his mid to late 20s, was released from custody. A file is being prepared for the DPP, who will give direction on how to proceed with the matter.
Conviction on indictment for harassment in the Circuit Court carries a possible sentence of up to seven years imprisonment, as well as hefty fines. Sentences for the same offence are less punitive in the District Court.

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