A NIGERIAN PhD student convicted of harassing a university professor had become “obsessed” with the idea that there was a “cover-up” by faculty members at NUI Maynooth, a judge said at Naas Circuit Court.
Judge Gerard Griffin was speaking at the sentence hearing of Adeniyi Adekoya (42), a Nigerian-born father of four convicted on Thursday of harassing Maynooth professor Gerry Boyle after sending a series of e-mails to members of the faculty over an eight-month period in 2007-8.
One of the e-mails referred to “the ugly incident at Virginia Tech, USA” where 32 people were killed, and others spoke of “judgement day”. Adekoya represented himself during the three-day trial.
Judge Griffin asked Adekoya to reconsider getting legal representation before he considered sentence. “Certainly my strong advice to you is that you would seek legal advice, and that you would listen to legal advice. It seems there is little point in you taking legal advice if all you are intent on dealing with is your imagined cover-up with Maynooth university. I am satisfied there is no cover-up. Your allegations against them are groundless and without foundation,” he said.
The e-mails had distressed Prof Boyle, and his upset was still evident when he gave evidence, the judge said. “If I have offended them, I give them my full apology,” Adekoya said.
Adekoya agreed to seek legal advice. The judge appointed solicitor Conal Boyce under the legal aid scheme. Adekoya faces a potential sentence of up to seven years or a fine. The case was adjourned for mention until June 8th.