LIVE: 'I have nothing to say' - Man in Laois court over social media threats against 'babies'

A man appeared before a special sitting of Portlaoise District Court this morning charged under new hate laws. 

Beniamin Petre (50) of No Fixed Abode is accused of publishing a grossly offensive communication on TikTok. It’s alleged he published a communication about  “slicing up Irish babies, kids and you” with intent to cause harm contrary to Section 4(1) and (3) of the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act 2020. 

The man was further charged with engaging in threatening, abusive and insulting words with intent to provoke a breach of the peace and demonstrating at the time of the offence, hatred towards the Irish people contrary to the Criminal Justice(Hate Offences) Act 2024. Both offences were alleged to have been committed at an unknown location in Dublin on May 24 last. 

Detective Garda Mark Russell gave evidence of arresting the man in Rathmiles, Abbeyleix on Wednesday, May 28. He said the man was detained at Abbeyleix Garda Station and charged at 9.15pm. 

When charged and cautioned the man replied, “I can’t say anything as you are not listening, Mark.” In response to the second charge the man said, “I have nothing to say.” 

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Det Russell said gardai would have an objection to bail. 

However, Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said her client was not applying for bail in the case and there was consent to a remand in custody. 

Det Russell said there may potentially be further charges in the case. He asked that the man be medically assessed in Cloverhill. 

Judge Andrew Cody remanded the defendant in custody to Cloverhill Prison to appear again at Portlaoise District Court via video link on June 5. “I would recommend urgent medical assessment on arrival,” he said. 

Ms Fitzpatrick requested legal aid and said the defendant was not working and “was not in the system in terms of social welfare.” Judge Cody granted legal aid and remanded the defendant in custody.  The man, who was dressed in black, didn’t speak during the brief court appearance.