Lisburn man accused of sending threatening text messages is warned to stay out of trouble
A Lisburn man has been warned by a judge to stay out of trouble after sentencing was deferred for six months.
Christopher Peter Kelly, 34, whose address was given as Milltown Avenue, appeared before the city’s magistrates’ court charged with improper use of the public electronic communications network.
The court heard that on September 1, 2025 the injured party contacted the police to report that she had received threatening text messages from the defendant.
The police attended the defendant’s address.
He was arrested and made no comment during interview.
The charge was initially contested, however on the day of the contest, a guilty plea was entered by the defendant.
A defence lawyer told the court the defendant was already subject to a probation order.
It was noted by the district judge that the defendant was on bail for other offences when he committed this offence.
Defence continued: “He has been engaging with the community addictions service.
"He has found the structure that probation provides very beneficial. He is moving away from criminality.”
Addressing the defendant, District Judge Rosie Watters said: “I am told you are going to stay out of trouble. If that is true I am happy with that. I am going to test that.”
Ms Watters deferred sentencing for six months until July 6, 2026.
She warned the defendant: “I am giving you the opportunity to stay out of trouble. If you fail to do that prison is an option.
"If you reoffend or do something stupid then all options are open to me.”