Man Who Threatened Tiglin Founder Given Five Years

Aubrey McCarthy

oday at the Bray District Court, Brian McCann was handed a 5-year sentence for making threats against Tiglin founder Aubrey McCarthy.

It brought closure, the Senator said, to a difficult period for the Tiglin community.

He also stated that the threats made against him and his staff were serious, credible, and deeply disruptive to the vital work carried out by those supporting people facing homelessness and addiction.

In his victim impact statement, McCarthy described the fear and heightened security measures required following the threats, as well as the impact on colleagues who work daily to serve vulnerable people.

The victim impact statement reads in full…

As the co-founder of a homelessness and addiction charity my role has always been to advocate, to listen, and above all, to stand with the most marginalised in our society. I have always known that speaking out and working for change can attract opposition. But I never expected the fear and disruption that came when the threats became personal, direct, and credible, not just to me, but to my staff, my colleagues, and those who serve beside me in hope and purpose. Numerous threats were received on social media, but it was only when my secretary received a phone call that frighted the wits out of her that I contacted the Gardai.

The Gardaí confirmed through the DPP what we had feared in that these were not idle words. They were real, serious, and required urgent response. I had no choice but to make a formal statement. Not for myself alone, but for the people who work long hours, often in thankless roles, to bring dignity and support to others. Their safety had to come first.

These threats did not just rattle a few nerves. They struck at the heart of our work. They shook our sense of security. They cast a long shadow over our daily lives, moments of looking over shoulders, checking doors twice, and wondering if we were safe simply doing our jobs. On the advice of gardai myself and the Tiglin CEO have had to install alarms, cameras and full-time surveillance at our residences.

And yet, amid this fear, I found that the individual behind these threats was struggling with significant mental health and addiction issues. This doesn’t excuse the actions, but it does add important context. As a society, I believe that we need to do more not just in crisis, but long before people reach breaking point. Our mental health system must be stronger, more compassionate, and far more accessible.

I have chosen to forgive the individual behind these threats. Not because it was easy, and not because what happened didn’t matter, but because I believe in the redemptive power of compassion. I believe that people can be unwell and still be loved. That they can do wrong, and still deserve a second chance, if they are willing to face their actions and get the help they need.

I want to say clearly and publicly: I hold no bitterness toward the person involved. I choose to forgive. And I genuinely hope he receives the help and care he needs to find healing and stability.

We must never lose sight of the balance between accountability and compassion. I will continue to speak up, for safety, for justice, and for better mental health supports because no one should have to choose between doing their job and feeling safe, and no one should be left to suffer in silence until it’s too late.

This experience has strengthened my resolve to advocate for mental health reform. We must reach people before they break. We must meet them in their despair, not just after it has turned into danger. Because every life has value, and every person, no matter how far they have fallen, deserves the opportunity to be restored.

I offer this statement not out of bitterness, but in the hope that it might prompt reflection, change, and healing. Justice is important, but so is healing. And in Ireland, we must learn to hold both.

McCarthy was keen to acknowledge the significant mental health and addiction challenges faced by the individual responsible. “While this does not excuse his actions,” he told the Guide, “this context underscores the urgent need for stronger mental health supports in Ireland.”

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