Man accused of publishing “grossly offensive” communication online
The man appeared at Portlaoise District Court
A man who allegedly published “grossly offensive” material online appeared before a sitting of Portlaoise District Court.
Beniamin Petre (50) of No Fixed Abode, Dublin 1, 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.
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 offences were alleged to have been committed at an unknown location in Dublin on May 24 last.
He appeared before Portlaoise District Court via videolink where Garda Sergeant Jason Hughes said the DPP had yet to give directions in the case.
Judge Andrew Cody explained that “the DPP have to decide where this case is to be dealt with.”
He asked the defendant if he would consent to a further remand in custody. The defendant said he would.
Judge Cody asked “are you still going to represent yourself?” The man replied “yes” to confirm that he intended to represent himself.
Judge Cody remanded the defendant in custody and adjourned the case back to Portlaoise District Court on August 7.