Jail for 'racist' who posted threatening messages towards Mayor of Derry

A man described by District Judge Barney McElholm as 'a racist' has been jailed at Derry Magistrates' Court for posting threatening messages towards the Mayor of the city, councillor Lillian Seenoi-Barr. 

Kevin Barry McIntyre (31) of Miller Street in Derry had been convicted of two counts of sending messages of a 'menacing nature' on May 2 and May 4 last year.

The court heard that the post about the North's first black Mayor was headed 'terrorist alert' and said Cllr Seenoi-Barr would be removed from the city 'dead or alive'.

He was interviewed by police on May 5 and responded that 'everyone leaves Derry dead or alive'.

He denied making threats and said that was simply one interpretation of the messages.

Defence counsel Michael Donaghey said his client had always accepted he had posted the comments but maintained that he did not intend to put anyone in fear.

He said the messages were posted on McIntyre's own social media account and there had been no direct contact.

The barrister said that perhaps the defendant had learned a lesson and suggested a community service sentence. 

Judge McElholm said: "I wouldn't inflict this man on the community".

He said the posts were "offensive" and then in his pre-sentence report McIntyre claimed the Mayor was racist against the people of Derry.

The judge also highlighted posts about the MP for Foyle Colum Eastwood where McIntyre said he was responsible for deaths due to the Covid vaccine. 

Judge McElholm said McIntyre "deserves no consideration from this court nor would he get any".

He said the defendant was "a racist" who had the opportunity to show some remorse and understanding in his pre-sentence report but had chosen not to do so. 

McIntyre was jailed for five months.