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Helen McEntee bomb threat accused was 'only person' who could have made call, prosecutors say
Summary
In a trial held on 7 March 2024, Michael Murray, 52, pleaded not guilty to a single charge of knowingly making a false report that caused a bomb threat against Minister for Justice Helen McEntee. The alleged call was traced to the Midlands Prison, Portlaoise, where Murray was imprisoned. The call was made from an extension in his cell, using his unique identification number, and was directed to the Samaritans. Murray denied making the call but admitted to having links with the Irish National Liberation Army and to having a grievance with McEntee. He also acknowledged that a group called the 'Criminal Revenge Group' had made threats to the Taoiseach and other civil servants. The prosecution argued that only Murray could have made the call, while the defence highlighted inconsistencies in the evidence, such as a 18‑second timing discrepancy and differences in accent and speech patterns. The jury was instructed to deliberate and return the next day.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Helen McEntee bomb threat accused was 'only person' who could have made call, prosecutors say. 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
- 2024-03-07 Publication
Why: "If you start convicting people because you're speculating about material or theorising," he said, "you're skewing and corrupting the trial process". 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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