Man charged with online threat to kill Taoiseach Simon Harris

A man has appeared before a court in Galway charged with making an online threat to kill or cause serious harm to Taoiseach (Irish prime minister) Simon Harris and his family.

Patrick Grealish, 47, with an address at Garraí An Choirce in Leitir Mealláin, was bailed to appear in court again on 17 September.

Mr Grealish was arrested and charged on Sunday night at a police station, before being brought before a sitting of Galway District Court on Monday.

He was charged without lawful excuse, making threats to Mr Harris, intending for him to believe it would be carried out, to kill or cause serious harm.

Irish broadcaster RTÉ reported that a sergeant with An Garda Síochána (Irish police), gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution.

They objected to bail based on the seriousness of the offence.

A judge remanded Mr Grealish on bail subject to a number of conditions.

He said any breach of these rules would “jeopardise his liberty”.

The judge ordered Mr Grealish to stay off all social media and the internet and to surrender all travel documentation.

He must reside at his home with a curfew imposed between 11:00 and 19:00 local time.

The court heard he must provide a phone contact to be fully charged and available at all times.

A solicitor for Mr Grealish was granted free legal aid on behalf of his client.

He told the court that Mr Grealish received social welfare benefits and was the carer for his mother who has dementia.