Man accused of making hoax bomb threat call to Government buildings sent forward for trial

Michael Murray is currently in Midlands Prison

Michael Murray has denied the allegations.

An alleged hoaxer has been sent forward for trial accused of making a false bomb threat call from prison to Government buildings and the Oireachtas.

Michael Murray, 53, from Dublin but with a current address at the Midlands Prison, faces prosecution on two offences under Section 12 (a) of the Criminal Law Act, 1976.

The charges allege that he, on July 3 last year and the following day, "at Midlands Prison, Dublin Road, Portlaoise, Co Laois did knowingly, make a false report tending to give rise to apprehension for the safety of persons or property".

He denied the allegations and appeared before Judge Michael Connellan at Dublin District Court, where gardaí served him with a book of evidence.

Detective Garda Joseph Heaphy said the Director of Public Prosecutions had directed trial on indictment at a higher level with broader sentencing powers.

Judge Connellan granted a return-for-trial order, sending Mr Murray forward to the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The case will be listed for mention in October.

Legal aid was granted.

His barrister, Luke O'Higgins, told the court that his client instructed him to say that he had "nothing whatsoever to do with the offences before the court".

At an earlier stage, the court had heard his reply to the charge: "I didn't order any bomb attacks on Government buildings or the Oireacthas on those dates." 

He did not apply for bail and must notify prosecutors if he intends to rely on alibi evidence as part of his defence at his trial.