A judge has ordered the arrest of the operator of a business selling cannabidiol (CBD) products who is accused of sending unsolicited “marketing text messages” to customers.
The Data Protection Commissioner is prosecuting Alan Donohoe trading as Hempture, 6a Abbey Street Upper, Dublin 1.
He faces 59 counts of breaching electronic communications privacy regulations, which can result in fines of up to €5,000 per offence and recorded convictions.
The case was listed before Judge Anthony Halpin at Dublin District Court yesterday/today (Mon), but there was no appearance by Mr Donohoe.
The prosecution said the charges involved direct marketing text messages.
In addition, summonses were served at his last known residence, the court heard.
Judge Halpin said he was satisfied he was aware of the case; he added the only way to get him into court was to issue a bench warrant.
Court report by Tom Tuite