DEATH THREAT

Irish teen charged over post about PM Jacinda Ardern

A teenager in Northern Ireland has been charged with making a social media death threat against Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern after the Christchurch terror attacks.

Matthew Burns is alleged to have sent an image of a firearm fitted with a silencer to the Prime Minister, along with the caption “you’re next” on March 20, five days after 50 people were killed and dozens more injured as they worshipped at two Christchurch mosques.

Ardern has received worldwide attention and praise for her response to the terror attacks.

Burns, from Newtownhamilton, 75km south of Belfast, was also charged with sending a message of menacing character to London Mayor Sadiq Khan in December.

The 19-year-old was arrested and charged on Thursday after the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Cyber Crime Unit traced the online threats to the business student’s IP address.

Newry Magistrates Court heard a threat was made from the same account to Khan.

The investigating officer said further posts of a racist, xenophobic, sectarian and homophobic nature were also found to have been sent from the same IP address.

During police interviews, Burns confessed to posting the threats, the investigating officer said.

District Judge Mark McGarrity refused an application for reporting restrictions in the case.

“Mr Burns, the police will be watching you,” Judge McGarrity said.

The defendant was released on £500 ($965) bail with a £1000 cash surety on the condition that he had no internet connection and adhered to a 7pm-7am curfew.

The case was adjourned to May 8.