A man convicted last December of harassing TCD student and part-time model Eleanor Winters (21) has been given a two-month suspended prison sentence, a €200 fine and an order that he remove himself if he accidentally comes within 50 yards of his victim.
Paul Meehan, a software designer whose mother supported him throughout the hearings, protested during the trial that he was not only the victim of Garda prejudice and harassment, but attached significance to the fact that he was prosecuted and tried by women.
"A female judge, a female prosecutor and a female complainant, it all adds up," he said as he struggled to put on his overcoat and leave court.
He was going nowhere however as Judge Bridget Reilly told him to sit down and his case would be called again after she dealt with another matter.
"I might remind you the court can still change its order," the judge said.
When Meehan's mother started saying the court decision was "grossly unfair", the judge also said she wanted to remind her of contempt of court.
When the case was called later, Meehan, who defended himself in the trial, said he wanted to "take back what I said, I was upset".
However, he still felt the way he did. "They are my feelings and you cannot nullify them," he said.
His "life was ruined" because he now had a criminal conviction which meant he would never get a job in Ireland and he would have to go abroad.
Judge Reilly said she accepted his apology and understood he was upset, but, she added, she could have jailed him for up to 12 months.
He was "a young man with very many talents, but I am only dealing with the case before me", the judge added.
She also convicted him of assaulting a fellow student who had become Ms Winters's boyfriend. Judge Reilly imposed a fine of €200 for the assault on Olivier Caillabet who tried to protect Ms Winters when Meehan came up to them in the street.
She ordered that he not communicate by any means with Ms Winters for two years, not approach her at her residence or place of employment and if he accidentally came within 50 yards of her, he is to "remove himself".
As part of his sentence he must also engage with the probation services and comply with whatever directions and treatment they may order.
Meehan said he would be appealing the sentence and had the papers ready.
Judge Reilly ordered he come up with €300 of his own with an independent surety in the same amount for the purpose of appeal.