Man accused of vile TikTok threats allegedly seen in Dunleer
By ArdeePost Reporter
Man accused of vile TikTok threats spotted in Dunleer
Residents of Dunleer have expressed shock and concern after reports that a man accused of posting vile threats online about “slicing Irish babies” was allegedly spotted in the village.
The man, 50-year-old Beniamin Petre, of no fixed abode, is facing serious charges under Ireland’s harassment and hate crime laws. He was charged with publishing a grossly offensive communication on TikTok with intent to cause harm, contrary to Section 4(1) and (3) of the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act, 2020.
The charges relate to an alleged video uploaded on 24 May at an unknown location in Dublin, in which Petre is accused of making shocking threats targeting Irish children.
Additional hate crime charges
On the same date, Petre is also accused of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace, contrary to Section 6A of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act, 1994, as amended by the Criminal Justice (Hate Offences) Act, 2024.
The allegations have drawn widespread condemnation, with Gardaí closely monitoring reports of his movements after residents in Dunleer claimed to have seen him in recent days.
Court appearances
Petre first appeared before Portlaoise District Court in June, where he clashed with legal representation. Initially assigned solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick, he later told Judge Andrew Cody:
“I will be representing myself. I didn’t ask her to discharge herself. I said she was no good to me. I can represent myself all the way.”
Judge Cody advised Petre that he “may be entitled to free legal aid”, though Petre insisted he would act as his own defence.
At a subsequent hearing, Sergeant JJ Kirby applied to remand the accused in custody for two weeks, pending directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
Dunleer Community concern
The news that the accused man has allegedly been seen in Dunleer has unsettled locals, with many calling for vigilance and reassurance from Gardaí. While the case is still before the courts, residents are said to be “alarmed” by his presence, given the disturbing nature of the allegations.
Gardaí have urged anyone with concerns to report sightings directly to their local station.