3 days ago
Man charged over online threats on social media pages
A 50-year-old man has appeared before a special sitting of Portlaoise District Court charged with offences relating to online threats shared on his social media page.
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 said he arrested Mr Petre yesterday at Rathmiles, Abbeyleix, in Co Laois, under Section 5 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1977 and brought him to Abbeyleix Garda Station, where he was detained.
Detective Russell said that he was seeking directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions and that there may be further charges.
Defending solicitor 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 5 June by video link.
He also marked on the detention order that the defendant receive urgent medical assessment while in custody.
