Woman convicted in Facebook case

This is the Belfast woman who sent a local woman obscene and menacing messages through social media.
Bernadette Curoe leaves Coleraine Court. Picture: Makr Jamieson.Bernadette Curoe leaves Coleraine Court. Picture: Makr Jamieson.
Bernadette Curoe leaves Coleraine Court. Picture: Makr Jamieson.

Maureen Bernadette Curoe (39) of Pilot Street, appeared at North Antrrim Magistrates’ Court on Friday for sentencing after admitting a charge of improper use of public electronic communications.

Curoe had initially denied posting messages on social media site Facebook about the injured party, a local woman.

Curoe was charged with committing the offence between April 24-27 last year. The charged stated that she sent by means of a public electronic communications network a message or other matter that was grossly offensive or indecent, obscene or of a menacing character, contrary to Section 127 (10) (a) of the Communications Act 2003.

District Judge Liam McNally told the defendant it was a ‘serious offence’ and added that he had initially thought a custodial sentence was the only course of action after hearing the evidence.

However the judge told Curoe he had changed his mind as she is four months pregnant and also because she had admitted to the charges, albeit belatedly.

The defendant was given a four month custodial sentence, suspended for two years, and a non-molestation order was also issued.

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