County Derry men who took part in song mocking Michaela McAreavey sentenced

The teacher, who had married husband John 10 days earlier, was attacked as she returned to her room alone and disturbed a burglary

placeholder image — The teacher, who had married husband John 10 days earlier, was attacked as she returned to her room alone and disturbed a burglary

The defendants took part in the singing of an offensive song which mocked the murder of Derry GAA Manager Mickey Harte's late daughter

Two County Derry men have been sentenced for the offence of behaviour likely to stir up hatred, after a video was posted online in June 2023, showing people singing an offensive song relating to Michaela McAreavey.

Today, 26-year-old Steven Kane, of Coolshinney Heights in Magherafelt, was sentenced to four months in prison which was suspended for 18 months, after being found guilty at Laganside Magistrates Court.

23-year-old Cian Jones, of Craigadick Road in Maghera, pleaded guilty on Wednesday, January 17 and was later sentenced to 240 hours of community service on Wednesday, March 6 at Laganside Magistrates Court.

A third man, 22, has been found guilty and will be sentenced on April 24.

Detective Inspector Bell added: "This should send a clear message to those involved in this type of crime that they will be vigorously pursued and brought before the courts to face the consequences of such activity.”