JOHN WHORSKEY FROM BELFAST SENTENCED FOR SOCIAL MEDIA STALKING AND HARASSMENT

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Belfast, John Whoriskey has been handed an 18-month probation sentence after admitting to a series of disturbing online harassment activities targeting four women he did not personally know. The offences, which spanned over two years from August 2021 to December 2023, involved the use of social media platforms, primarily WhatsApp, to send unsolicited and often sexually explicit messages to his victims.

Whoriskey, who was reportedly battling a cocaine addiction during the period of his offending, employed at least 11 different WhatsApp accounts to carry out his malicious activities. Among these accounts was a fake profile designed to impersonate someone familiar to the victims, adding a layer of deception to his harassment. The court heard that the first victim began receiving unwanted messages as early as August 2021, with the harassment continuing intermittently until January 2022. These messages included sexually suggestive content, and at one point, a semi-nude image of a male was also sent to her. The victim recounted that the messages made her feel distressed and violated.

Further reports emerged, revealing that other women had also been targeted by the same individual. These victims recognized the sender as someone they knew, yet they were unsure how Whoriskey obtained their contact details. The pattern of harassment involved not only the transmission of explicit images but also the sending of sexually explicit messages, which caused significant emotional distress. The victims expressed confusion and concern over how their personal contact information was acquired, raising questions about privacy breaches and the extent of Whoriskey’s online activities.

In December 2031, Whoriskey was interviewed by authorities. During the interview, he largely refused to comment, offering little insight into his actions. His phone was confiscated, and investigators discovered the victims’ phone numbers stored within it. As the investigation progressed, three additional women came forward, sharing similar experiences of being contacted by someone they recognized, receiving explicit images, and feeling unsure about how their personal details had been obtained. Whoriskey’s responses to these allegations were vague; he claimed that his drug and alcohol use impaired his memory, asserting that he did not know where he had obtained the victims’ names and numbers or why he engaged in such conduct.

Defense lawyer Stephen Mooney acknowledged the gravity of the offences, especially considering the number of victims involved. He emphasized that Whoriskey had no prior criminal record and pointed out that since his arrest, he had not re-offended, suggesting a potential for rehabilitation. The judge, Ted Magill, took into account the emotional harm inflicted upon the victims, describing their distress as an aggravating factor in the case. While recognizing Whoriskey’s complex needs, including adverse childhood experiences, mental health struggles, and addiction issues, the judge also noted that since his arrest, Whoriskey had taken steps to divorce himself from his substance dependencies, indicating some level of remorse and effort to change.

Ultimately, the court’s decision reflected a balance between accountability and the recognition of underlying issues, resulting in a sentence of 18 months probation for Whoriskey, with the court emphasizing the importance of addressing the harm caused and the need for ongoing support and intervention.