HSE says it didn't write character reference for jailed abuser

Probe into 'fake' note from hospital bosses

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THE HSE denies ever writing a character reference for a former employee that was given to a judge before he was jailed for brutally assaulting his ex-girlfriend.

This paper has learned gardai have been notified after it emerged former pharmaceutical porter Anthony Mackessy handed a judge a now suspected false character reference from his HSE employer and University Hospital Limerick, prior to his sentencing.

Mackessy, 42, was jailed for a year for the brutal sustained assault he carried out on ex partner Emma Hallahan - who he dragged up and down a staircase and held at knifepoint in a terrifying incident at her home in Dungarvan, Co Waterford, in January 2024.

During his sentencing hearing this month, the court was handed in various testimonials to his character - including an alleged reference from his employer at the HSE-run University Hospital Limerick.

The letter, which stated there would be a job for Mackessy to go back to, was taken into consideration by the judge during the course of sentencing Mackessy who, having gone into custody in April, will walk free from prison on January 5, 2026.

Now it is understood that hospital management and the HSE was surprised to learn of the character reference and an investigation is set to take place over its origin.

It is understood management there totally deny ever signing off on such a reference and are taking the issue extremely seriously. Asked for comment, the HSE confirmed that it and the hospital were not aware of any legitimate character reference for Mackessy.