Jail for man who sent 'menacing and threatening message' to woman

A man who sent a 'menacing and threatening message' to a female has been jailed at Derry Magistrate's Court.

James Donegan (35) of Glenabbey Road in Derry appeared charged with improper use of the telecommunications network on September 13, 2022.

A prosecutor told the court that Donegan had sent a message to the injured party causing her annoyance and distress. 

He said that the time of the message was threatening and menacing. 

Defence solicitor Seamus Quigley said that it was difficult to argue with much of what had been said. 

He said that the woman had not come to court to say she had been scared or threatened. 

He said either way the message was 'not the most eloquent' and would not win any prizes for literature.

District Judge Barney McElholm said that the legislation did not require the injured party to appear to state she was scared.

He said he was satisfied Donegan had sent the message with the purpose of causing annoyance and convicted the defendant. 

Donegan was sentenced to four months in prison.