A 51-year-old man, identified as Anthony Quigley of Mitchelstown, has been accused of sending a suggestive Snapchat message to a schoolgirl just hours after his release from prison for a sexual assault conviction. The incident occurred on September 15, 2025.
Quigley had been released from custody at 11am that morning and was back home in Mitchelstown by 2:03pm, where he sent the lewd message to the teenage girl using an altered version of a popular song. He has admitted to gardaí that Snapchat is "like a haven for paedophiles" and claimed to have been fully aware of the requirements under the act and order imposed on him.
Quigley was previously sentenced in February 2025 for a sexual assault conviction, with Judge Dermot Sheehan imposing a 15-year ban on contacting any child under the age of 18 or going within 50 meters of a school. He has an extensive history of convictions, including four previous sex-related offenses.
The case against Quigley was adjourned until July 17 due to solicitors' disputes over changes to free legal aid payments. When asked by Judge Sheehan if he wanted bail, Quigley complained about sleeping on the floor in prison and requested consideration for release. However, his request was denied, with Judge Sheehan stating that a bail application could be made once the strike is over.
Background: Anthony Quigley's case highlights concerns about sex offenders reoffending after release from prison. Despite strict conditions imposed by the court, including a 15-year ban on contacting children under 18 and restrictions on proximity to schools, Quigley allegedly breached these terms just hours after his release. The incident raises questions about the effectiveness of current measures in place to prevent recidivism among sex offenders.
Quigley's extensive history of convictions includes four previous sex-related offenses, six common assaults, 13 harassment or stalking charges, and 12 public order offenses. His case is one of several incidents highlighting concerns about overcrowding in prisons and the impact on inmates' living conditions.