Man jailed over abusive messages about Derry mayor

Lilian Seenoi-Barr is the first black mayor in Northern Ireland

A man convicted of posting abusive messages online about Northern Ireland's first black mayor has been jailed for five months.

Kevin Barry McIntyre, 31, of Miller Street in Londonderry, was found guilty of two counts of abusing the communications network in May 2024 by writing online messages about Lilian Seenoi-Barr, who is mayor of Derry and Strabane.

Sentencing him at Londonderry Magistrates' Court on Friday, district judge Barney McElholm described McIntyre as "a racist".

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

In a statement afterwards, Seenoi-Barr said there is a "clear line between free speech and criminal behaviour".

"If you cross it, there will be consequences. The sentencing sends a powerful and unambiguous message: those who use threats, harassment, or hate speech to silence others will face the full weight of the law," she said.

Earlier the court was told a message posted by McIntyre was headed "terrorist alert" and said Seenoi-Barr would be removed from Derry "dead or alive".

When interviewed by police in May last year, the court heard, McIntyre denied making threats, saying that was simply one interpretation of his messages.

Defendant is racist, says judge

On Friday, a defence barrister told the court his client had always accepted he had posted the comments but maintained he had not intended to cause fear.

The messages, he said, were posted on McIntyre's own social media account and there had been no direct contact with any other person.

The barrister suggested a community service sentence.

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

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

He told the court McIntyre had also posted about Foyle SDLP MP Colum Eastwood, suggesting he was responsible for deaths resulting from the Covid-19 vaccine.

'Sends a clear message'

Seenoi-Barr further described the five-month jail term as "not just about justice for me, it is a victory for everyone who believes in standing up to hate, intimidation, and threats against public service.

"No one should face fear for simply stepping forward to serve their community."

She added: "I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support of my community, colleagues, and loved ones throughout this challenging time."

SDLP leader Claire Hanna said the sentencing of McIntyre "sends a clear message that there will be no hiding place for those who think they can post whatever disgusting, racist messages they wish on social media".

"For too long people have been allowed to act with impunity online," Hanna said.

"I hope that this sentence will make people think twice in future, knowing that engaging in online abuse of this nature will result in significant consequences."