Cork man accused of sending texts to his probation officer of threats to 'chop up and murder' a woman

Accused told court allegations against him were 'all lies'

Defendant was refused bail and case was sent forward to Cork Circuit Criminal Court. Picture: Dan Linehan

A book of evidence was served on Thursday on a 21-year-old man on a charge of threatening to kill a young woman, where it is alleged he texted another person saying that she was going to be tied, chopped and murdered.

The charge states that on September 27 this year, he made a threat to kill or cause serious harm to the young woman, contrary to the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act.

Detective Garda Dave Hickey objected to bail being granted to the 21-year-old man, who appeared by video link from prison, and was represented in Cork District Court by solicitor Shane Collins-Daly.

Throughout the detective’s evidence about the threatening texts that were allegedly sent to a probation officer in reference to the young woman in question, Ruairí Lally, of Wainsfort, Rochestown Road, said: “Lies.” 

Judge Mary Dorgan told him to respect the court and to respect the evidence and not to interrupt in that fashion. 

He replied: “I won’t respect lies.” 

When asked, after the detective’s evidence, if he wanted to give his own evidence, Mr Lally said: “What am I supposed to say — it’s all lies.” 

Det Garda Hickey said: “It is alleged that on September 27 at approximately 2pm, Ruairi Lally sent four messages to his probation officer, stating: ‘I’m going to hurt her badly’. ‘Chop her open and stab her to death’.

“He then sent a screen shot of a message to be sent to [alleged injured party], which said: ‘Going to hurt you seriously. Tie you up and kick you to death.’ ‘Getting you chopped up and murdered and enjoy every second of it.’ 

“All of these messages relate to threatening to kill [the young woman].” 

Judge Dorgan refused bail. 

On the application of Sergeant Gearóid Davis, the case was sent forward to the sessions of Cork Circuit Criminal Court on February 9, 2026.