Portlaoise Court: Man accused of threatening to kill Tánaiste Simon Harris

A 54-YEAR old man was brought before a sitting of Portlaoise District Court today (Thursday 10 April) on a charge of threatening to kill or to cause serious harm to then Taoiseach Simon Harris last year.

Michael Murray with an address at the Midlands Prison, Portlaoise was before the court charged with allegedly carrying out the offence, from an unknown location within the state on 26 June.

Garda Brian Thompson said that when Mr Murray was charged and cautioned with the offence, he replied: “I never threatened to kill Simon Harris.” 

Asked by Judge Andrew Cody if he had legal representation Mr Murray said that he had instructed his solicitor John Shanley to be present at the hearing but he could not attend but could do so in seven days.

Gda. Thompson said the Director of Public Prosecutions had instructed the case be conducted by trial on indictment and that it would take six weeks to prepare a book of evidence.

Judge Cody asked Mr Murry what sentence he was serving at present, to which he replied 39 years.

Judge Cody initially remanded Mr Murray on his own bail to 22 May for a service of a book of evidence and to allow him to have his solicitor present. However, Mr Murray said that he was not seeking bail but a remand for one week, “so that Mr Shanley will be present, and applications will be made before a district court in relation to my case.” 

Judge Cody then went on to remand Mr Murray in custody to Tullamore District Court on 16 April to appear by video link.

“I want to be produced Judge,” Mr Murry said, to which Judge Cody replied ‘No. By video link.”