Garda admits inciting other men to rape woman and to impersonating her online

A garda has admitted inciting two other men to rape a woman and, separately, impersonating her online. 

Shane Flanagan, aged 39, who has an address in County Clare but whose full address can't be published for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to two counts of inciting two men to rape the woman on dates between November and December 2020.

At the Central Criminal Court, he also pleaded guilty to six counts of endangerment, in that he intentionally or recklessly engaged in impersonating the woman in Facebook communications, and on the website fetlife.com and in which communications invited persons unknown to visit violence upon her and two others, thereby creating a substantial risk of death or serious harm on dates between 2018 and 2020.

When arraigned, Flanagan also pleaded guilty to one count of possession of four images of child sexual abuse material, known in law as child pornography. That offence occurred on January 7, 2021.

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After the guilty pleas were entered, Anne-Marie Lawlor SC, prosecuting, told the court that the victim wishes to maintain her anonymity, but has no difficulty with Flanagan being identified.

Mr Justice Paul McDermott directed the preparation of victim impact reports. He also granted a defence application to extend legal aid for the preparation of a psychological report and requested a probation report.

Mr Justice McDermott remanded Flanagan on continuing bail until June for sentence.