Former Councillor Admits to Stalking Waitress in Cork Court

A former member of the Fianna Fáil party, Joseph O’Donovan (50), has acknowledged his behavior as “a kind of stalker” during a sentencing hearing for harassing a waitress at a restaurant in Cork city. O’Donovan, who served on the Cork City Council from 2003 to 2008, pleaded guilty to multiple instances of harassment involving the 25-year-old woman in July and August 2022.

In Cork District Court on December 1, 2023, Judge Mary Dorgan reviewed a probation report that assessed O’Donovan as posing a low risk of reoffending. Despite this, she highlighted the emotional impact on the victim, particularly noting a victim-impact statement that described the distress caused by O’Donovan’s comments and actions.

On July 30, 2022, O’Donovan visited the restaurant where the victim worked, drinking wine and behaving inappropriately. He approached her, kissed her hand, and complimented her beauty, making her feel uncomfortable. He returned to the establishment on August 1, 2022, insisting on being served by the same waitress, and repeated similar actions, including saying, “Meet me outside for a tip and I better get your phone number for it.”

The waitress expressed her discomfort, stating that O’Donovan’s actions left her feeling anxious and unsafe. After being asked to leave the premises by management, he threw €50 at her in an apparent attempt to assert control.

O’Donovan made another visit to the restaurant on August 6, 2022, close to closing time. When confronted again by the waitress, he expressed regret but maintained he could not help his behavior. He was subsequently arrested later that month, during which he claimed to the authorities that his actions were meant as courteous gestures, akin to those seen in films.

During a previous court appearance, the victim read her statement, revealing the long-lasting effects of O’Donovan’s harassment. She shared, “This man looked me in the eye and called himself a creep. This man looked me in the eyes and called himself a stalker, then laughed about it – laughter that still makes me recoil in fear to this day.”

She emphasized the violation of personal boundaries and the obsessive nature of O’Donovan’s actions, stating, “His actions were not misunderstandings; they were deliberate. It wasn’t harmless. It was obsessive and it left me terrified in places I used to feel safe.”

Judge Dorgan expressed concerns regarding O’Donovan’s claims of having been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, noting the absence of confirmation from his psychiatrist. She requested documentation confirming his steps towards addressing his alcohol-related issues.

O’Donovan’s solicitor, Frank Buttimer, indicated he would secure the necessary confirmations, and the case was adjourned to December 4, 2023 for finalization.