North teenager in court over death threats to NZ premier

A TEENAGER from Co. Armagh has been charged with making social media death threats to the New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern.

Matthew Burns, 19, of Dundalk Road, Newtownhamilton, appeared before Newry Magistrates’ Court yesterday.

A PSNI detective from the cyber crime unit told the court he could connect the accused to the charges.

The accused’s parents and sister attended the court. As the charges were read out, his mother held her hand to her head and closed her eyes.

A Twitter message to the prime minister was said to have been made directly after the terrorist attack.

The court heard that a photo of a gun silencer was sent with the message ‘you’re next’. The defendant was further charged with making similar threats to London Mayor Sadiq Khan. The accused was arrested on April 11 and taken to Banbridge PSNI station for questioning.

The offences are alleged to have taken place on Twitter and Facebook in December 2018 and March 20, 2019.

During interview, Mr Burns stated he had far-right views and had negative sentiments towards minorities, Muslims and the LGBTQ community, the court was told.

An application was made to restrict reporting due to the defendant’s suspected poor mental health and attempts at self harm indicating a suicidal nature.

District Judge McGarrity rejected the application due to a lack of medical evidence before the courts.

The defendant was released on £500 (€580) bail to his parents’ custody with a £1,000 cash surety, with the condition that he has no internet connection and adheres to a curfew.

The magistrate warned Mr Burns: ‘The police are going to be watching you... next time the courts may not be so sympathetic as today.’

The case against Mr Burns was adjourned to May 8.