A Kilkenny court increased Sean Tyrrell’s sentence to five months for harassing his ex-partner, Sinn Féin MEP Kathleen Funchion, under Coco’s Law.

Sinn Féin MEP Kathleen Funchion said she feels "vindicated" after a Kilkenny court increased her ex-partner Sean Tyrrell’s prison sentence to five months, up from four, in an appeal over harassment charges under Coco’s Law. Tyrrell, who pleaded guilty to coercive and controlling behavior during their six-year relationship, had originally received a four-month jail term with a four-month suspended sentence. The increase followed concerns over reoffending, a negative probation report, and the judge’s finding that Tyrrell’s actions caused significant personal and professional harm to Funchion. She described the case as a difficult, 3½-year ordeal but said the ruling brought her justice and closure, urging victims of abuse to seek help from support organizations.