A Magherafelt man who breached a restraining order by sending a social media message to a former partner, has been placed on probation for 18 months at the local magistrates court.

Sentencing Brian McCann, aged 52, whose address was given as Rainey Street in the town, District Judge Conor Heaney also put in place a two-year restraining order prohibiting him contacting the complainant.

Prosecuting counsel told the court the message was sent on October 5, 2024, and the injured party later contacted police.

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Bishop Street Courthouse where Magherafelt Magistrates Court is held | Google Maps

placeholder image — Bishop Street Courthouse where Magherafelt Magistrates Court is held | Google Maps

A defence lawyer said there had been a “degree of misunderstanding in the terms” of the restraining order on the part of the defendant.

He stressed it was now accepted by McCann that the order covered all contact.

Judge Heaney said having read the pre-sentence report there were a number of factors that concerned him, but he accepted the defendant is trying to address issues in his life.