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'Leo is to get it this week,' Minister bomb threat accused told gardai

Date
2024-03-05
Stage
Trial
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

Michael Murray, 52, formerly of Seafield Road, Killiney, Dublin, is on trial for making a false bomb threat to the Minister of Justice's home. While imprisoned in Midlands Prison, Portlaoise, he allegedly phoned the Samaritans claiming explosives were planted at Helen McEntee's residence. The call was traced to a unique identification number registered to Murray, who was alone in his cell with telephone access that night. Murray denied making the call but admitted having links to a paramilitary group. He claimed to have been part of a "Criminal Revenge Group" that threatened Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and the Minister of Justice, stating "Leo is to get it this week." The court heard video footage of Murray's interview after his arrest, where he discussed the group's threats and his frustration. He also said he regretted the call. The trial is ongoing before Judge Patricia Ryan and a jury. Michael Murray pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'Leo is to get it this week,' Minister bomb threat accused told gardai. 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:

Why: He said the threats were coming to the targets "because of their own actions". CNI source report

Case subjects

Michael Murray

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

Residence
Facility
  • Midlands Prison
Secondary Mention

Topics

Stage Trial

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

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