A man has been remanded in custody this afternoon after allegedly publishing a video online threatening to slice Irish babies and kids.
Offaly TD Carol Nolan responded to the news that Benjamin Petre (50) had been charged with intent to cause harm contrary to Section 4(1) and (3) of the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act 2020.
The man 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 of those offences were alleged to have been committed at an unknown location in Dublin on 24th May 2024.
In a statement posted to social media on Wednesday before the man’s appearance at Portlaoise District court, Deputy Nolan said: I’m unsure whether reports of this individual in Birr which are circulating on social media are accurate but I want to appeal to any member of the public who see this individual to report it to Gardaí immediately.”
Mr Petre was arrested in Rathmiles, Abbeyleix on Wednesday, May 28, and charged last night after a video allegedly containing threats, which is understood to have originally been posted to TikTok, caused anger and concern online.
“Irish, I’m coming on top of you now. I’m gonna be slicing your babies, kids and you,” the man is alleged to say in the video.
Offaly Live reports that when charged and cautioned, Mr Petre replied, “I can’t say anything as you are not listening, Mark.” In response to the second charge the man said, “I have nothing to say,” according to the newspaper.
He will appear again by video on 5th June.