Dublin Woman Who Made Menacing Calls To The Áras Avoids Jailtime

Trust us, we’re just as flummoxed as you are.

A 57-year-old woman from Clondalkin has avoided jail time after pleading guilty to making a number of persistent and menacing calls to Áras an Uachtaráin.

The woman has been named as Anne Fennell, of Monastery Gate Green in Clondalkin, and has also made obscene calls to the Department of Finance and various TDs offices.

The court heard Fennell had made repeated threats to bomb the President in several horrific phone calls to the Áras back in 2014. She also referred to Michael D Higgins as a ladyboy, and on another call she told the receptionist the President and his wife ‘would go home in plastic bags if they set foot on English soil’.

Another time, Fennell called to say there would be a bomb at the gate, meaning the entire area around the Dail had to be searched. The 57 year old also admitted to harassing the priest who had conducted her mother’s funeral.

Back in 2006 she ordered the priest taxis and takeaways he didn’t want – resulting in his person being blacklisted by taxi firms. She also put a mess of brown sauce, crisps and chips through his letterbox, and threw black paint over his garage door.

The Judge noted the Fennell had had a complex and unfortunate psychological history, experiencing very exceptional difficulties in her life.

The judge gave Anne Fennell a five year suspended sentence, but stated that she must work with the probation services for 18 months and comply with absolutely everything they say.

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