A court has heard that when People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy was canvassing on abortion laws, a man approached him and threatened to “slit” his partner’s neck, reports RTE.
On a charge under Section 5 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 42-year-old Joseph Cloherty, who does not have a permanent address, appeared at Dublin District Court.
Mr. Cloherty, who disputes the accusation, is charged with threatening Paul Murphy with the intent to carry it out—that is, that he would murder or seriously hurt his partner—without a valid reason, reports RTE.
According to reports, the event happened on May 23, 2023.
While in Tallaght, the Dublin South West TD was allegedly confronted with threats that his partner, Jessica Spear, would suffer severe injuries, reports RTE.
Ms. Spear represents Tallaght Central as a People Before Profit councillor.
The Director of Public Prosecutions received a file from the Gardaà and ordered the matter to be handled summarily at the District Court level.
In order to make a decision about the trial site, Judge Paula Murphy requested an overview of the facts, reports RTE.
The Garda Paul Murphy operated a stall at Belgard Square, according to Elaine Markham. There, the TD distributed pamphlets on a measure that supported abortion.
The accused “walked up to Paul Murphy and threatened to slit his partner’s throat” according to the allegations, reports RTE.
Mr. Murphy and Ms. Spear have provided statements to the GardaÃ. Mr. Cloherty informed the court, “That’s a lie,” as the garda wrapped up the summary of the evidence.
The District Court was granted jurisdiction to hear the matter rather than the Circuit Court, which has more extensive sentencing authority, reports RTE.
On his own behalf, Mr. Cloherty refuted the evidence.
He was remanded on bail to appear again on February 10th to arrange a hearing date after Judge Murphy assumed he was entering a not guilty plea, reports RTE.
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