Wednesday 28 October 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 1584Grossly offensive communication, threatening/abusive/insulting words (public order) · Co. Dublin · 24 May 2025

Man charged over grossly offensive TikTok message about 'slicing Irish babies'

A 50-year-old man, Beniamin Petre, was charged over a grossly offensive TikTok message posted on 24 May 2025 at an unknown location in Dublin about 'slicing Irish babies, kids and you.' He was arrested on 28 May at Rathmiles, Abbeyleix, Co. Laois and charged with publishing a grossly offensive communication and using threatening, abusive or insulting words. He appeared before Portlaoise District Court on 29 May and was remanded in custody to appear on 5 June by video link, with an urgent medical assessment ordered while in custody. The investigation remains ongoing and further charges may follow pending directions from the DPP.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrested28 May
  3. Charged28 May
    2 reports
  4. In court
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
  • A man posted a grossly offensive communication on TikTok about 'slicing Irish babies, kids and you' with intent to cause harm.
  • He was also charged with using or engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace or hatred towards the people of Ireland.
Where
The posting was made at an unknown location in Dublin; the arrest took place at Rathmiles, Abbeyleix, Co. Laois.
When
The posting was made on 24 May 2025 and the arrest took place on 28 May 2025.
Investigation
The investigation remains ongoing; Detective Garda Mark Russell was seeking directions from the DPP and there may be further charges.
Charges
  • He was charged under Section 4(1) and (3) of the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act 2020.
  • He was charged under Section 6A of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994.
In court
  • He appeared before Portlaoise District Court on 29 May 2025 and was remanded in custody to appear on 5 June 2025 by video link.
  • The judge marked on the detention order that the defendant receive an urgent medical assessment while in custody.
Other details
  • He is detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984, and there is no ongoing threat to public safety.
  • His defending solicitor was Josephine Fitzpatrick.
18 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatGardaí investigating alleged threats shared online arrested one male in Abbeyleix, Co. Laois. (garda.ie)
  • whatHe used or engaged in threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace or hatred towards the people of Ireland. (irishtimes.com)
  • whereThe arrested male is detained at a Garda Station in the Eastern Region. (garda.ie)
  • whereHe was arrested on 28 May at Rathmiles, Abbeyleix, Co Laois. (irishtimes.com)
  • whereHe was conveyed to Abbeyleix Garda Station where he was detained. (irishtimes.com)
  • whenThe arrest took place on Wednesday 28 May 2025. (garda.ie)
  • whenThe posting was made on 24 May at an unknown location in Dublin. (irishtimes.com)
  • investigationThe investigation remains ongoing. (garda.ie)
  • investigationDetective Garda Mark Russell was seeking directions from the DPP and there may be further charges. (irishtimes.com)
  • chargeAn adult male has been charged following his arrest in connection with the investigation. (garda.ie)
  • chargeThe first charge was under Section 4(1) and (3) of the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act 2020. (irishtimes.com)
  • chargeThe second charge was under Section 6A of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtHe is due to appear before Portlaoise District Court on 29 May 2025. (garda.ie)
  • courtHe was remanded in custody to appear at Portlaoise District Court on 5 June by video link. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe judge marked on the detention order that the defendant receive an urgent medical assessment while in custody. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherHe is detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984. (garda.ie)
  • otherThere is no ongoing threat to public safety at the time of the announcement. (garda.ie)
  • otherHis defending solicitor was Josephine Fitzpatrick. (irishtimes.com)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 29 May2025
    Chargedirishtimes.com, first report
    Man charged over grossly offensive communication on TikTok about ‘slicing Irish babies’

    First appearance at Portlaoise District Court; remanded in custody; further charges possible pending DPP directions; urgent medical assessment ordered while in custody.

    accused, Beniamin Petre, 50, male, named, non-irish (judged from name)Beniamin Petre
  2. 28 May2025
    Chargedgarda.ie, follow-up
    Update - Court Appearance: Alleged Online Threats, 28th May 2025

    Gardaí confirm the charged man is due at Portlaoise District Court on 29 May 2025; investigation remains ongoing.

    accused, male
  3. 28 May2025
    Arrestedgarda.ie, follow-up
    Arrest: Alleged Online Threats, 28th May 2025

    Garda press release confirming the arrest of a male in Abbeyleix, Co. Laois, on 28 May 2025 in connection with alleged online threats; he was detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984, with no ongoing threat to public safety.

    suspect, male