Man in court over racist messages about Derry mayor

Lilian Seenoi-Barr is the first black person to serve as a mayor in Northern Ireland

A man has appeared at Londonderry Magistrates' Court charged in connection with racist messages received by the mayor of Derry City and Strabane.

Lilian Seenoi-Barr is the first black person to become a mayor in Northern Ireland.

Kevin Barry McIntyre, 31, of Miller Street in Londonderry faces two counts of abusing a public telecommunications network to send menacing messages.

The offences are alleged to have taken place between 2 and 4 May 2024. shortly after Ms Seenoi-Barr became mayor.

A police officer connected the accused to the charges and the case was adjourned until 2 October.

This article was updated for clarity on 24 September.