A man has had his prison sentence increased after appealing the original penalty for offenses committed against his former partner, now a Member of the European Parliament (MEP). Seán Tyrrell, 39, of Cypress Grove, Loughboy, Kilkenny, was originally sentenced to four months in custody, with an additional four months suspended, in April 2025 for offenses under Section 4 of the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act 2020 – often referred to as Coco’s Law. The case highlights the seriousness with which Irish courts are treating offenses related to harassment and harmful communications, particularly those impacting public figures.
Tyrrell’s appeal, a severity-only appeal, was heard at Kilkenny Circuit Court where Judge Cormac Quinn increased the custodial sentence to five months and also increased the suspended sentence to five months. However, the suspended portion of the sentence remains suspended for a period of two years, contingent upon Tyrrell maintaining quality behavior and refraining from any communication, direct or indirect, concerning Kathleen Funchion, the Sinn Féin MEP. This means Tyrrell will now serve an additional month in prison for his actions. The original offenses related to events in August 2022, when Ms. Funchion was a Teachta Dála (TD) representing the Carlow-Kilkenny constituency, as reported in October 2025.
The court heard that Tyrrell had threatened to expose what Judge Quinn described as “embarrassing allegations” about Ms. Funchion through electronic means. Crucially, the judge emphasized that these allegations were entirely unfounded and untrue, and that Tyrrell’s actions had caused Ms. Funchion significant distress in both her personal and professional life. Judge Quinn stated that a custodial sentence was both warranted and inevitable given the nature of the offenses and the impact on the victim. The case underscores the legal protections available to individuals facing harassment and the consequences for those who engage in such behavior.
Speaking to RTÉ’s News at One following the sentencing, Ms. Funchion expressed a “huge sense of relief” at the outcome. She described the ordeal of being “dragged back through the appeals process” after initially believing the matter had concluded in April. “To actually physically see that he has gone to prison – as he hadn’t gone to prison before, he hadn’t served any of the time because it had been appealed,” she said, adding that she felt “vindicated” by the judge’s decision. RTÉ News reported on her comments.
Coco’s Law and its Impact
The case is being closely watched by advocacy groups who support Coco’s Law, formally known as the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act 2020. The legislation was enacted in response to the tragic death of Coco Ashitey, a young woman who took her own life after experiencing online harassment. The law aims to provide stronger protections for individuals against online and offline harassment, stalking, and harmful communications. Penalties under the Act can include imprisonment, fines, or both. The increased sentence in Tyrrell’s case sends a clear message that such offenses will not be tolerated.
Ms. Funchion also spoke about the broader implications of her experience, expressing hope that the outcome would encourage other women facing similar situations not to give up or lose hope. She acknowledged the isolating and lonely nature of such experiences, noting that victims often question themselves and their own perceptions of events. “What a person does in that situation is, they develop you really doubt yourself. They make you question yourself. They totally affect your confidence and self esteem, so that you believe you are the person that’s in the wrong,” she explained. She emphasized the importance of seeking support from others and drawing strength from the stories of other survivors.
The Appeal Process and Judge Quinn’s Reasoning
Tyrrell initially pleaded guilty to the offenses in Kilkenny District Court, leading to the original four-month custodial sentence and a suspended sentence. However, he subsequently pursued a severity-only appeal, meaning he challenged the length of the sentence but not the guilty plea itself. Judge Quinn, after considering the details of the case and the impact on Ms. Funchion, determined that the original sentence was insufficient. His decision to increase the sentence reflects the seriousness of the offenses and the need to deter others from engaging in similar behavior. The judge’s reasoning underscores the importance of protecting individuals from harassment and harmful communications, particularly in the context of public life.
The increased sentence also serves as a reminder of the potential consequences for those who misuse technology to harass or intimidate others. As online harassment becomes increasingly prevalent, courts are taking a firmer stance against perpetrators and seeking to hold them accountable for their actions. Coco’s Law provides a legal framework for addressing these offenses, and the recent sentencing in Tyrrell’s case demonstrates the willingness of the courts to enforce its provisions.
Ms. Funchion’s experience highlights the emotional toll that harassment can grab on victims, even after a conviction is secured. The appeals process can prolong the ordeal and re-traumatize those who have already suffered significant harm. Her willingness to speak out about her experience is a testament to her resilience and a source of inspiration for others.
The next step in the case is Tyrrell’s commencement of the five-month prison sentence. No further court dates have been announced at this time. Individuals affected by harassment or harmful communications are encouraged to seek support from organizations such as Women’s Aid and the Garda Síochána. The Irish Examiner has more information on support resources.
If you or someone you know is experiencing harassment or harmful communications, please reach out for help. Your story matters, and you are not alone. Share your thoughts on this case and its implications in the comments below.
