Man charged over TikTok threats to 'slice Irish babies' appears in court
A man charged with offences relating to online threats on social media appeared before a special sitting of Portlaoise District Court on Thursday.
Beniamin Petre, of no fixed abode, was charged under the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act 2020 and under the Criminal Justice (Hate Offences) Act 2024.
Detective Garda Mark Russell arrested the accused in Laois on Wednesday under Section 5 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act. He was conveyed to Abbeyleix Garda Station.
RTE reported that Gardai are awaiting directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions and further charges may be applied.
Mr Petre's defence counsel Josephine Fitzpatrick said that her client was not seeking bail and was consenting to be remanded in custody.
Judge Andrew Cody remanded Mr Petre in custody to appear again at Portlaoise District Court on June 5 by video link.
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