A man who was charged with making a bomb threat over the phone to Justice Minister Helen McEntee’s home was found guilty, reports RTE.
On March 7, 2021, Michael Murray, 52, formerly of Seafield Road, Killiney, Dublin, entered a not guilty plea to one count of intentionally filing a false complaint that caused someone else to fear for their safety while he was being held at Midlands Prison, Portlaoise.
During the eight-day trial, it was revealed that an anonymous caller, posing as a member of the Irish National Liberation Army (INLA), had called the Samaritans and said that explosives had been put at Minister McEntee’s residence.
He stated that “Red October” was the code phrase while speaking deliberately and slowly, reports RTE.
He asked the volunteer if she had received the message, reiterated the threat, and hung up.
Murray was taken into custody when the call was linked to his cell.
Murray informed the gardaí that his affiliation with the INLA was widely known. He expressed his disapproval of Helen McEntee, the Department of Justice’s representative, and the office of the Director of Public Prosecution, reports RTE.
In his testimony, Murray acknowledged making a call that evening, but he refuted making the threatening call.
The jury deliberated for five hours and ten minutes before returning a guilty judgement in the trial, reports RTE.
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