The teenager sent messages on Instagram in May
18-year-old Patrick O'Brien of Sycamore Court, Ashleigh Downs, Tralee pleaded guilty to two charges, arising from the harassment of the former player through Instagram in May of this year.
Eamonn Hickson has this reports from Tralee District Court for RedFM News:
'Sergeant Eoin O'Donovan said that on the date in question, Patrick O'Brien was playing FIFA - a computer game - with his friends when he downloaded Ian Wright's character in the game. The court heard that, after losing a virtual tournament, Patrick O'Brien got mad as "Ian Wright's character didn't perform as well as hoped." He then went on Instagram and privately contacted Ian Wright, sending messages which the sergeant said were "crass, racist and threatening." Patrick O'Brien also said that he if got COVID, he'd cough on Mr Wright, giving him a death sentence and putting him on his death bed. In one of two statements, Mr Wright's said: "Patrick, I forgive you. I believe in redemption for everyone. I hope you and those who either taught or enabled this hate will learn from this and change for the better." Defending solicitor Pat Mann said Mr O'Brien has no previous convictions and the incident was a "rush of blood to the head." Judge David Waters remanded the 18-year-old on continuing bail and adjourned the case until January 27th.'
