‘Offensive’ Michaela video man sentenced for ‘shameful’ song
You must have known that song would cause offence.. you were not alone JUDGE GEORGE CONNER BELFAST COURT YESTERDAY
A MAN who sang an offensive song mocking Michaela Mcareavey’s murder was sentenced to 240 hours community service yesterday.
Belfast Magistrates’ Court heard Cian Jones, 23, was among members of a band who punched the air as they chanted inside an Orange Order hall.
Prosecutors said those involved were motivated by hatred because the victim was a Catholic.
Passing sentence, District Judge George Conner said Jones had brought shame on himself and caused further distress to Michaela’s friends and family.
He added: “I am satisfied this offence was aggravated by hostility, based on religious belief.”
Michaela, 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.
The video clip was filmed at a hall in Dundonald, East Belfast during events to celebrate the centenary of the foundation of Northern Ireland.
It provoked widespread revulsion and was condemned by the Orange Order.
Jones, of Craigadick Road in Maghera, admitted a charge of behaviour intending to stir up hatred over his participation. Two other men are due to go on trial accused of the same offence.
Footage of the chanting was played as Jones attended court today for sentencing. John O’neill, prosecuting, said it showed some members of a band drinking alcohol and then beginning to sing. He said: “They react to each other and some are punching their fists in the air as the song unfolds.
“Those engaged in the singing of the song can be seen looking at each other as they do so, punching the air and generally acting in concert, encouraging each other in the conduct.”
A statement from Michaela’s husband John Mcareavey told of the distress caused to him and the family circle.
Mr O’neill said: “He realised it wasn’t the first time the song had been sung, time had been taken to pen the lyrics and for others to learn them.
“He describes what he felt was the hatred and hurtful intent behind the song, and how certain aspects of his wife’s murder which were mentioned in the lyrics were particularly sensitive to him and hurtful to hear.” Defence counsel Peter Sands branded his client’s behaviour “abhorrent, upsetting and incredibly offensive”.
He added: “He offers his heartfelt apologies for the harm he caused and expresses genuine remorse for his actions.”
Mr Sands added that Jones lost his job after the incident came to light.
Imposing the maximum community service order under his sentencing powers, the judge condemned the defendant’s actions.
He added: “You must have known that song would cause offence. You were not alone in singing this song, and I hope that all those who joined in have been expelled from the band or any other body they were representing that day.”
» Jones branded ‘insulting & abusive’ for Orange hall clip
» Judge condemns behaviour and gives maximum sentence