Man Released Without Charge As Part Of Investigation into False Social Media Reports in County Wicklow

As part of an ongoing investigation into the creation and dissemination of false allegations on social media, Gardaí have arrested a man in the course of an operation on Tuesday, 15th October, in County Wicklow.

An investigation commenced in June 2024 when an image of a man traveling on a bus in Newtownmountkennedy was circulated online, accompanied by claims that he was behaving inappropriately towards a minor.

As a result of Garda inquiries it was established that the allegation of inappropriate activity towards a minor, or any other person, was unfounded and false. 

The publication of this false allegation on social media caused serious anxiety and concern to the individual depicted in addition to creating alarm and concern tending to give rise to apprehension for the safety of persons in the local community.

During an operation led by Gardaí from Wicklow North CE Functional Area this morning, a residential property was searched in south Wicklow, resulting in the seizure of several mobile phones and electronic devices. A man in his 40s was arrested at the scene.

He is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act for an alleged offence under Section 12(a) of the Criminal Law Act, 1976 at a Garda Station in County Wicklow.

UPDATE: 

The man, aged in his 40s, has been released without charge.

A file will now be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Investigations ongoing.