Waterford Landlord and Son’s Sentences Suspended After Intimidation

UPDATE: A Waterford landlord and his son have had their prison sentences suspended for their roles in a shocking case of blackmail and intimidation against a former tenant. John Guiry (50) and John Frampton (28) were originally sentenced in March for coercion and menacing behavior, but a recent court ruling has changed their fate.

In a dramatic turn of events on July 23, 2024, Judge Sarah Berkeley announced that both sentences would be suspended for 12 months. The court heard harrowing details of how the duo threatened a woman living in Larchville, insisting she vacate her home by May 5, 2024, or face dire consequences. The woman recounted chilling threats from Frampton, who allegedly warned, “I’ll be back and kill you and everyone in the house.”

The intimidation occurred on May 2, 2024, when five hooded men confronted the woman at her residence. The victim, visibly shaken, reported the incident to the Garda, describing how the men, dressed in black, threatened her and her teenage daughter. “You’ve had plenty of notice to get the f**k out of here,” one man shouted, escalating the situation to a terrifying level.

The court heard that this confrontation was rooted in a dispute over the woman’s tenancy, which began in 2013. The Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) had ruled that Guiry’s termination notice was invalid, awarding the woman €4,500 in damages. Instead of adhering to legal channels, the father-son duo resorted to intimidation, leaving the woman and her daughter in fear for their lives.

Defence attorney Mairead Deevy argued that the pair had expressed remorse, even sending letters of apology to the victim. Deevy added that Guiry had claimed he was jogging on the Waterford Greenway during the incident. Despite their apologies, Judge Berkeley stated, “There was no excuse for what happened.”

In a twist, the defendants presented photos of the woman’s home, purportedly showing it in a “poor state” following the threats. This was part of their defense, suggesting their actions were a misguided response to the property’s condition. However, Judge Berkeley dismissed this justification, affirming that taking the law into one’s own hands is unacceptable.

The court’s decision to suspend the sentences comes with stringent conditions, including the payment of €4,500 to the victim, demonstrating the serious consequences of their actions. The ruling emphasizes that the defendants have been given a chance to reflect on their conduct and hopefully learn from this grave misstep.

As this case unfolds, the implications for tenant rights and landlord responsibilities remain critical. It serves as a stark reminder of the importance of legal processes in housing disputes and the severe repercussions of intimidation tactics.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.