Publication date:
A woman has been sentenced at Downpatrick Magistrates’ Court to three months imprisonment after pleading guilty to breaching a ban on identifying a victim of a sexual offence.
Donna Toman (55) was arrested by police in July 2026 in relation to a social media post which was likely to lead to the identification of a victim.
PPS Assistant Director Catherine Kierans said: "All victims of sexual offences have the legal right to anonymity and that protection is fundamental to the delivery of justice. It is important that people who breach this right should face the consequences of their actions.
"In this case, information likely to lead to a victim of a sexual offence being identified was published on social media, significantly increasing the potential harm to the victim.
"I am also mindful of the wider impact such breaches can have. They risk undermining the confidence of victims who are trying to find the courage to come forward to police.
"I hope the conclusion of this case reassures all victims of sexual offences that your right to anonymity is important. It will be protected. When it is breached and we have the evidence to prosecute offenders, we will do so.”
ENDS.
Notes to Editors
- All decisions by the PPS are taken strictly in accordance with the Test for Prosecution which involves two stages. The Test for Prosecution is met if, in relation to an identifiable suspect, the available evidence is sufficient to provide a reasonable prospect of a conviction (the Evidential Test) and if prosecution is in the public interest (the Public Interest Test). The Evidential Test must be passed first before the Public Interest Test is considered. Further information can be found in the PPS Code for Prosecutors.
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