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Bomb threat to Minister's home considered serious offence that 'might threaten security of State,' senior garda tells trial

Summary

During a trial, Garda Superintendent Dermot Dray explained that a bomb threat call to the Samaritans hotline, claiming explosives were planted at Minister for Justice Helen McEntee's home, was treated as a serious criminal offence that could threaten the state's security. The call, made on 7 March 2021 from Midlands Prison while Michael Murray was incarcerated, was investigated to identify the caller's number and location. Dray noted that the call's origin was traced to the prison two days later, and that the Samaritans volunteer who received the call had not recorded the exact time or duration. Garda Sergeant Paul McGarry recounted that officers from Navan and Dublin were dispatched to McEntee's residence and the Justice Department to search for suspicious devices, finding none. The threat was ultimately deemed a hoax, but the investigation remained thorough. The case is before Judge Patricia Ryan and a jury. Michael Murray pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Bomb threat to Minister's home considered serious offence that 'might threaten security of State,' senior garda tells trial. Charges or matters: one count of knowingly making a false report giving rise to an apprehension for the safety of someone else while he was imprisoned in the Midlands Prison, Portlaoise on March 7, 2021. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• March 7, 2021 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2024-02-28 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial

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Read the original CNI report