A man accused of making death threats against Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald in a social media video has been refused bail.
Richard McGreevy (28), from Whitechurch Place, Rathfarnham, Dublin, was charged on Friday under Section 5 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997. The charge states that on July 13th, without lawful excuse, Mr McGreevy made a death threat to Ms McDonald which led her to believe it would be carried out or cause her serious harm. There was a second and unrelated charge of failing to appear at Dublin District Court in accordance with previous bail conditions.
Detective Sergeant Gareth Kane told the court the threats were broadcast on TikTok against Ms McDonald and Garda Commissioner Drew Harris. He said the statements could be seen as intimidation. Mr. McGreevy made the threats while wearing a balaclava in a TikTok video which was widely circulated before being taken down.
The accused told Judge Paula Murphy he was angry on the day he made the video. “I put that video up and I didn’t mean for it to go so viral,” he said.
Mr. McGreevy said he lived on his own with his two dogs. His solicitor, Kevin Tunney, said it may take some time for the case to go to the Circuit Criminal Court. He is currently living in state-provided accommodation and risked losing this if he was in custody for a long time. Mr Tunney also said Mr McGreevy’s dogs would be kept in a pound for a long time.
The solicitor described Mr McGreevy as a young man who had a “very difficult childhood.” He said Mr. McGreevy’s father died when his client was a baby and his mother abandoned him when he was three, which led to a “chaotic” upbringing. Mr Tunney said Mr McGreevy was a loner rather than part of a gang as he appealed for his client to be released on bail with strict conditions.
However, the application was turned down by Judge Murphy, who cited Mr. McGreevy’s poor record of attending court. She remanded Mr McGreevy in custody to appear at Cloverhill District Court on July 26th.
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