Man who allegedly made 'slicing Irish babies' threat further remanded in custody

A man who is accused of publishing threats on TikTok has been further remanded in custody in Laois. 

Petre Beniamin (50) of No Fixed Abode, is accused of publishing a grossly offensive communication on TikTok. It’s alleged he published a communication about “slicing up Irish babies, kids and you” with intent to cause harm contrary to Section 4(1) and (3) of the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act 2020. 

He was further charged with engaging in threatening, abusive and insulting words with intent to provoke a breach of the peace and demonstrating at the time of the offence, hatred towards the Irish people contrary to the Criminal Justice (Hate Offences) Act 2024. Both offences were alleged to have been committed at an unknown location in Dublin on May 24 last. 

The defendant was arrested in Abbeyleix on May 28 and remanded in custody at a special sitting of Portlaoise District Court a day later. 

He appeared again before Portlaoise District Court on June 20 by video link. 

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Judge Andrew Cody told the defendant that the DPP directions may take some time in the case. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said it could be four weeks but he couldn’t provide any guarantee.

Judge Cody asked the man, who is representing himself, “if you are happy to be remanded in custody for four weeks?” 

When the defendant consented, Judge Cody remanded him in custody and adjourned the case back to Portlaoise District Court on July 17 by video link.