Young man questioned over threats to kill to Government TD

Leinster House.

A young man is being questioned in relation to allegedly threatening to kill or cause serious harm to a Government TD in connection to recent fuel protests.

Gardaí in the Southern Region arrested the man, aged in his 20s, under Section 5 of the Non Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997.

This relates to a serious offence of threatening to kill or cause serious harm.

Anyone prosecuted and found guilty of such an offence can receive a maximum prison sentence of up to 12 months in the district court or up to 10 years if convicted in the circuit court.

The Irish Examiner understands the threat was made online to the politician, who is a long-serving member.

Attempts are being made to contact the representative for comment.

The investigation is being conducted by local gardaí. National policing or security units are not thought to be involved.

A statement issued by Garda HQ said: “Gardaí in the south of the country this morning arrested a male in his 20s for alleged threats related to the fuel protests/blockades made against an elected representative.

“The male was arrested under Section 5 of the Non Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997.” 

It said the man was since released without charge and a that a file will be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The statement said that investigations are ongoing.