One lawyer argued 'The song is undoubtedly mocking… but the legislation is not designed to deal with bad taste, even appallingly bad taste'
Two men were convicted today of stirring up hatred by taking part in singing an “abhorrent” song which mocked the murder of Michaela McAreavey.
Ms McAreavey, the daughter of GAA football manager Mickey Harte, was attacked and killed by an intruder at her hotel room while on honeymoon in Mauritius in 2011. In May 2022 a number of people were recorded taking part in a song about her murder. Kane, from Coolshinney Heights in Magherafelt, and Kelly, of Edmund Court in Tobermore, were charged with the same offence.
“The song is undoubtedly mocking… but the legislation is not designed to deal with bad taste, even appallingly bad taste,” he submitted.“I’m satisfied, having regard to all the circumstances, that hatred was likely to be stirred up and there will be a conviction,” Mr Conner held. “This is something that has brought shame to his door and caused a lot of personal problems,” counsel said.With Kane having found another job, Mr Conner decided against ordering him to do community service.
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