Courts / Dublin / Report
Prisoner accused of making bomb threat against Helen McEntee was alone in cell with access to phone, trial hears
Summary
During a trial on March 7 2021, Michael Murray (52) of Seafield Road, Killiney, was accused of making a false bomb threat against Minister Helen McEntee's home. The call was traced to a unique identification number registered to Murray, used on a prison telephone at Midlands Prison, Portlaoise. Jury evidence showed Murray was alone in his cell at the time, with all cells master‑locked and no other prisoners able to access the phone. The assistant chief officer, Patrick McCabe, confirmed that the cell would not have been opened until the next day. Detective Garda Shane Curran identified the call's source as the prison, and IT staff Noel Reilly admitted he had not reported a phone‑system issue that allowed prisoners to call solicitors. No other calls to the Samaritans were made from Murray's number until March 20, and the trial continues before Judge Patricia Ryan and a jury. Michael Murray pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Prisoner accused of making bomb threat against Helen McEntee was alone in cell with access to phone, trial hears. 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 Other
- March 7 Hearing Or Sentence
- March 20 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2024-03-01 Publication
Why: Prisoners needed to use this number in order to make calls, the court heard. Court evidence reported by CNI
Case subjects
Defendant
Defendant
Charges: 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 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
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