Man charged over Facebook comment about burning mosque

A Balnamore man has been charged with making threats on Facebook when he allegedly wrote that people should be “burned alive” in a mosque.

Lee Gareth Darren McConnell (30), of Millfields, faced three charges at Coleraine Magistrates Court on Thursday.

He is charged with making threats on November 17 this year to damage ‘The Mosque’ belonging to the Muslim community in Coleraine.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He is also charged with publishing written material which was threatening, abusive or insulting, intending to stir up hatred or arouse fear.

The accused is further charged with sending a menacing message via a public electronic communications network by posting on Facebook: ‘It’s been here for quite a while mate c--ts will be here before you know it, they need burned alive in the mosque the tramps’.

He was released on his own bail of £500 and is banned from accessing any social media site until the case is dealt with and he is also not allowed to enter Gateside Road, Coleraine, where the mosque is situated.

The case was adjourned until December.

Last week at the same court a 26-year-old man from Macosquin near Coleraine appeared regarding online comments also allegedly made on November 17.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

His charge read that “without lawful excuse made a comment on a social media site regarding threats to destroy or damage certain property namely The Mosque belonging to The Muslim Community in Coleraine intending that they would fear it would be carried out”.

He was also bailed with a social media ban and is barred from Gateside Road.

Related topics: