Michaela McAreavey: Cian Jones pleads guilty over mocking chant

Michaela McAreavey was killed while on honeymoon in Mauritius in 2011

A man has admitted intending to stir up hatred in connection with a song which mocked the murder of Michaela McAreavey.

The 27-year-old teacher from County Tyrone was killed on honeymoon in Mauritius in 2011.

Cian Jones, from Craigadick Road, Maghera, was one of three men charged over a video streamed from an Orange Hall in Dundonald in May 2022.

The 23-year-old is expected to be sentenced at a later date.

He pleaded guilty at Belfast Magistrates' Court on Thursday.

The other men who face charges are Steven Kane, 25, from Coolshinney Heights in Magherafelt, and 22-year-old Dillion Kelly of Edmund Court in Tobermore.

Both have indicated they are pleading not guilty.

They each face a charge of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour intending to stir up hatred.

A contested hearing of their case is scheduled for March.

The video, which was broadcast on social media, was criticised by the Orange Order.

It was filmed at an event marking Northern Ireland's centenary.

Mrs McAreavey, the daughter of gaelic football manager Mickey Harte, was strangled at her hotel on the Indian Ocean island.

No one has ever been convicted for her killing.