Ireland: Stalker of 3 Women Journalists Charged With Harassment

The accused, Mark McAnaw, showed up at their workplaces after weeks of sending threatening sexually violent messages

Location: Ireland, Dublin
Date: August 30, 2023

The Coalition For Women In Journalism is alarmed by reports that three Sunday World journalists feared for their safety after online harassment escalated to real-world stalking. We call on the Director of Public Prosecutions to immediately prosecute the accused and hold him accountable for his alleged crimes.

On August 30, Nicola Tallant, Deidre Reynolds, and another unnamed woman journalist testified in a Dublin court about the traumatic experience they endured. They detailed the relentless harassment they faced from an online stalker, identified as Mark McAnaw, who allegedly bombarded them with explicit and violent messages before showing up at their workplace.

According to court testimonies, McAnaw initially contacted the journalists through emails and social media, pretending to be interested in dating them. The messages soon took a disturbing turn, becoming sexualized and laden with threats of physical harm.

McAnaw allegedly told one journalist that he would "pump her full of bullets" and another that he would "take pleasure in killing her."

Journalist Nicola Tallant says she started receiving emails early in August 2023. Tallant, a seasoned crime journalist who often faces intimidation on her beat, says she didn't pay much attention at first. However, they gradually became more threatening and sexual.

"In the emails, it seemed as if he believed we had a relationship or that he planned to engage in a sexual relationship with me," Tallant said.

Tallant explained that the situation escalated when she got a message stating the sender intended to visit her at the offices. Her concern grew when she discovered that he had shown up.

The court heard that McAnaw went to Mediahuis offices in Dublin, where the journalists worked, but was refused entry by security. This incident further heightened the sense of fear and imminent danger felt by the journalists.

Reportedly, he also informed Tallant of his intentions to go to her house and asked her to accompany him to the alleged third victim's home.

"I was shocked and disturbed by this," Tallant expressed.

According to the court, journalist Deidre Reynolds became "extremely anxious" after allegedly receiving six sexually explicit and suggestive emails.

In her testimony, she said that "they were sexual in nature and expressed his urge to take me out for a drink."

The emails soon took a violent turn, with threats that he would "come to Dublin and shoot me," she revealed.

The sender also warned her that ignoring the emails would be "a life-threatening mistake."

The third journalist claimed the accused sent her an excessive number of Facebook messages. Initially, he was "very nice" and asked her out on dates, but he became increasingly frustrated when she didn't respond.

He started making threats of serious violence, allegedly saying he was going to stab and shoot her.

Although the journalist had been cautious about revealing her location, she mentioned a popular pub in Dublin in a social media post, and it became clear that he had been following her and looking for her there. The journalist stated that this experience had completely changed her life and she became extremely frightened of the accused.

The judge remanded McAnaw in custody, refusing him bail and ordering him to complete a psychiatric evaluation. The case has been referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) who will decide whether to proceed with criminal charges.

These incidents have had a profound impact on the lives of these journalists, causing immense anxiety. The Coalition for Women in Journalism stands in solidarity with Nicola Tallant, Deidre Reynolds, and the third journalist, denouncing the harassment they have endured. Such behavior not only undermines press freedom but also instills fear and intimidation in journalists, hindering their ability to carry out their work.

In 2023, CFWIJ documented several incidents where women journalists in Ireland have faced serious online harassment. In the case of TV presenter, Emer O’Neill racist online harassment escalated to graffiti threats targeting her in her hometown.

The Irish justice system must address this case with utmost seriousness, considering the sexist and gendered nature of the threats. We urge the DPP to take decisive action and send a strong message that harassment and threats against journalists will not be tolerated.

We also call on Irish authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of journalists, particularly women in journalism, and to create an environment where they can work without fear of harassment or violence.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism extends its full support to the three journalists and will continue to monitor this case closely.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.

If you have been harassed or abused in any way, and please report the incident by using the following form.