Courts / Dublin / Report
Minister bomb threat accused takes stand, says allegation is 'ludicrous'
Summary
Michael Murray, 52, formerly of Seafield Road, Killiney, pleaded not guilty to a single count of knowingly making a false report that caused a safety apprehension while he was imprisoned at Midlands Prison, Portlaoise on 7 March 2021. The allegation was that an anonymous caller, claiming to be from the Irish National Liberation Army, had called the Samaritans to report that explosives were planted at the home of Minister for Justice Helen McEntee. No explosives were found and the call was traced to the prison. Murray, who was alone in his cell with a telephone that night, denied making the call but admitted having links with the paramilitary group. He said the threat was ludicrous, arguing that it made no sense for him to isolate himself at 8.30 p.m. and threaten the Minister. He claimed his grievance was with the policies of the Director of Public Prosecutions office, not with McEntee herself.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Minister bomb threat accused takes stand, says allegation is 'ludicrous'. 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
- 2024-03-06 Publication
Why: "The evidence was not clear because I did not make that call. CNI source report
Case subjects
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
Topics
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