Man avoids jail for sending sinister cards after murder

A Mayo man received a suspended sentence at Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court on 17 October for harassment spanning over a year. Brendan Rowland, aged 30, pleaded guilty to sending 14 malicious greeting cards to a couple in Swinford between December 2018 and December 2019. Judge Eoin Garavan noted that whilst 40 sinister cards were received in total, forensic evidence attributed only 14 to Rowland, suggesting an orchestrated campaign involving others. The cards included Mothers' Day and Christmas greetings, alongside messages signed "Joey" referencing the murder of Joe Deacy, aged 21, whose body was discovered at the recipients' home in August 2017. Judge Garavan imposed an 18-month sentence, suspended in full for two years, citing Rowland's guilty plea, apology, and rehabilitation efforts. Rowland was prohibited from approaching the Byrnes' residence or either individual within 500 metres for ten years. The judge expressed hope the matter would end the distress following Deacy's death.