Richard McGreevy, a 28-year-old from Whitechurch Place, Rathfarnham, Dublin has been declined a bail request. He was presented before the court on Friday, facing charges under Section 5 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997, after making alleged death threats against Mary Lou McDonald, Sinn Féin’s leader. The threats were reportedly circulated widely on TikTok before being removed. The specific charge claims that on July 13th, McGreevy, without any lawful cause, threatened the death of Ms. McDonald, making her legitimately believe in the possibility of execution or severe harm.
Det Sgt Gareth Kane, during the court proceedings, confirmed that the threats against Ms. McDonald and Garda Commissioner Drew Harris, disseminated via TikTok were quite intimidating. The threats were made by Mr McGreevy with his face covered in a balaclava.
McGreevy further faces another independent charge of failure to comply with prior bail conditions requiring him to appear at the Dublin District Court.
In his defence, McGreevy admitted his anger on the day of the threat, regretting having the video go viral. Mr Kevin Tunney, his solicitor, stressed on his difficult past, including an absent mother since the age of three and a deceased father since infancy, leading to a disruptive childhood.
With McGreevy currently residing in State aid-provided accommodation, and with two dogs to take care of, prolonged imprisonment might lead to loss of his accommodation and having his dogs kept in a pound.
Tunney appealed for McGreevy’s release on strict bail conditions, accrediting his solitary lifestyle instead of any association to criminal gangs. However, his request was denied by Judge Paula Murphy due to McGreevy’s unsatisfactory court attendance history. McGreevy is scheduled to reappear at the Cloverhill District Court on July 26th.