Since 2023, what is the maximum sentence in prison for stalking in Ireland?

A new offence of stalking, with a maximum sentence of up to 10 years in prison, has come into effect in Ireland since November 1, 2023.

Stalking is a pattern of fixated, obsessive, unwanted and repeated behavior (abbr. F.O.U.R) that causes you to feel distressed or scared. Stalking can happen with or without a fear of violence and can be perpetrated by anyone.

If you are bothered by one or more of the following behaviors by others, you may be a victim of stalking:

Unwanted behaviors: Spying or tracking your movements (cyber, offline); Following visually; Making unwanted approaches to you or your friends, family or colleagues; Interfering with or damaging your property, breaking into your home.

Threats or abuse: Threats to harm you or those close to you; Threats to harm themselves around you; Physical attacks or attempted physical attacks; Sexual violence or attempted sexual violence.

Malicious communication: Sending inappropriate letters, texts, emails or social media messages; Making inappropriate or malicious telephone calls to you; Sending unwanted gifts.

Reputational damage: Distributing malicious material about you (e.g. flyers, web-sites, posters, newspaper ads); Engaging in inappropriate or malicious social media contacts; Initiating false legal action against you; Making false complaints to agencies; Taking pictures/recordings of you without your consent; Sharing private images of you that are of a very personal nature (e.g. nude images, sexual images).