Athlone resident charged with threatening to kill Taoiseach

A 32-year-old Athlone resident appeared in court this afternoon (Wednesday) after being charged in connection with an online threat to kill Taoiseach Micheál Martin.

Cory O'Connor (32), with an address in Battery Heights, Athlone, was before Judge Elizabeth Healy at the weekly sitting of Athlone District Court.

He was arrested by arrangement earlier today and was charged with threatening to kill or cause serious harm to the Fianna Fáil leader on October 22 last.

During this afternoon's hearing, Detective Garda Bryan Kelly, of the Special Detective Unit (SDU), gave evidence of arrest, charge, and caution.

Det Garda Kelly informed the court that, when the charge was put to him, Mr O'Connor responded by saying: "I have an apology letter at home".

Judge Healy was told that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had instructed that the case could be dealt with by summary disposal in the district court, and the defendant's solicitor, Mark Cooney, said his client would be pleading guilty subject to the court accepting jurisdiction.

An outline of the evidence on behalf of the prosecution stated that, on October 22 last, Mr O'Connor had sent a "threatening message" to Mr Martin's Facebook account from his own social media platform.

Det Garda Kelly informed the court this message contained a threat that Mr O'Connor would stab the Taoiseach "the next time he sees him".

The court was told that this was the sole message sent by the accused, and an adjournment was sought to allow the State canvass for a victim impact statement.

The defendant was granted free legal aid by Judge Healy and was then remanded on bail subject to conditions.

The bail conditions included that Mr O'Connor must sign on once a week at Athlone Garda Station, must continue to reside at his home address, must stay off all social media, and must have no contact with Mr Martin.

He is due to be back before Athlone District Court for sentencing next month.