Suspended prison sentence for Dunmurry man
A Dunmurry man has been given a suspended prison sentence after being found guilty by a Lisburn judge.
James Gallagher, aged 58, whose address was given as Merrion Park, had contested the charge of improper use of public electronic communications. However, District Judge Rosie Watters convicted him during a previous court appearance.
The facts of the case were not opened in court. It is believed the offence dates back to April 14, 2021, when it was said he sent a message of a “menacing character".
It was stated that the defendant still “doesn’t accept the offence”.
A defence lawyer told the court the defendant had “issues in the past with alcohol”.
District Judge Rosie Watters imposed a custodial sentence of six months, suspended for two years.
Ms Watters stated the sentence was based on the fact that the defendant had no previous convictions.
She told the defendant: “I convicted you and I think in a way you really ought to have accepted your involvement.”