Man in court for ‘threatening’ Facebook message

A MAGHERAFELT man who posted a message on social media of “a threatening nature”, was given a Conditional Discharge for two years when he appeared at the local Magistrates Court today.
By The Newsroom
Published 21st Aug 2013, 14:32 BST
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Michael Frederick Murray (26), of Slemish View in the town, admitted sending the offensive communication in a Facebook private message on December 30 last year.

A prosecuting lawyer said the police received a report from the injury party about a message of a threatening nature they had received.

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The lawyer said the message read: “Just wanted to let you know if I ever get a bad KFC I will rape you then I will murder your family.”

Continuing, the lawyer said when police spoke to the defendant he initially denied sending the message but later admitted to it when interviewed.

She claimed Murray told police that he had been drunk and was “being stupid”.

Deputy Judge John Connolly asked the prosecutor if she would rate the level of threat as severe.

She replied that she would consider it to be moderate.

Defence barrister Liam McStay said the defendant thought he was being funny.

Mr McStay said Murray fully accepted his guilt and wished to sincerely apologise.

Related topics:FacebookKFC