By Ronan Judge

A 61-year-old man has appeared in court charged with the harassment of six people over a three year period in Galway City.

Jerard Nestor, with an address at 57 Dún Na Mara, Renmore, appeared at Galway District Court on 12 charges of harassment, contrary to section 10 of the Non Fatal Offences Against The Person Act.

It is alleged Nestor committed the offences at College Road on dates between January 2022 and February 2025.

The charges concern six alleged victims, two females and four males.

Sergeant Claire Heneghan told the court the Director of Public Prosecutions directed trial on indictment at Galway Circuit Court with consent for the accused to be sent forward on a signed plea of guilty should it arise.

Garda Cáit Ni Chualain told the court she arrested the accused on December 8 at his home address before later charging him at the Garda North Western Regional Headquarters.

The court heard Nestor made no reply to each of the charges after caution.

Sergeant Heneghan said there was no objection to bail subject to the accused abiding by certain conditions.

Jerard Nestor was told he must stay away from College Road and have no contact whatsoever with the alleged injured parties.

He must also stay away from their residences and reside at his current address.

The accused’s barrister objected to the State’s request for Nestor to observe a curfew between midnight and 6am.

The court was told the accused was 61-years-old, was in employment and a curfew was unnecessary given the other bail conditions.

Judge John Brennan said it was a condition of bail that the accused stay away from the alleged victims and their residences and in those circumstances, a curfew condition was not appropriate.

Jerard Nestor must also sign once a week at a Garda station and be contactable to Gardaí on a 24-hour basis.

Judge Brennan remanded the accused on bail to appear again on February 11, when he is due to indicate if the case will proceed on a signed plea or if a book of evidence will be required.

He also extended time for the service of a book of evidence.

Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.

Pictured: Galway Courthouse