Journalists speak of living in fear after harassment and threats from violent rapist

A man with convictions for rape, kidnapping and violence has pleaded guilty to harassing three female journalists at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Mark McAnaw, aged 52 and previously of Letterkenny, County Donegal, admitted to sending explicit and threatening emails to staff members of the Sunday World in August 2023. The court heard that one recipient reported living in constant fear, while another stated she felt physically ill upon discovering his criminal history. McAnaw has a previous conviction for rape in County Donegal and served sentences for armed home invasion. He was arrested after turning up at the journalists' workplace and contacting them through various channels with increasingly violent messages. Detective Sergeant John Brady gave evidence of the investigation. The defendant is currently detained in the Central Mental Hospital. Judge Pauline Codd adjourned sentencing until 5 June pending probation and psychiatric reports.