Man sentenced for singing hate song about Michaela McAreavey

A man who took part in singing an offensive song which mocked the murder of Michaela McAreavey has been given 240 hours community service.

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 about the schoolteacher’s death.

Prosecutors said those involved were motivated by hatred due to the victim being a Catholic.

Passing sentence today, District Judge George Conner told Jones he had brought shame on himself and caused further distress to those who knew and loved Ms McAreavey.

He declared: “I am satisfied this offence was aggravated by hostility, based on religious belief.”

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.

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 at the time by the Orange Order.

Jones, of Craigadick Road in Maghera, pleaded guilty to a charge of behaviour intending to stir up hatred over his participation.

Two other men are due to go on trial at a later date 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.

“They react to each other and some are punching their fists in the air as the song unfolds,” he submitted.

Mr O’Neill set out how the words mocked the victim and her husband John McAreavey.

“The lyrics include reference to Mrs McAreavey not coming home any time soon, to her having been hammered and hammered and beaten about by strangers,” he disclosed.

“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.”

The court heard some of those at the gathering were laughing and clapping along, while others appeared uncomfortable at what was unfolding.

A statement from Mr McAreavey where he told of the distress caused to him and the wider family circle were also disclosed.

“He describes his shock at seeing the events on the video and hearing people who neither he nor Mrs McAreavey knew singing about them,” 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.”

Mr McAreavey also explained how he always believed people in Northern Ireland supported their campaign to bring the killers to justice.

“For that reason seeing people at home in this jurisdiction mocking the murder was particularly hurtful for the family,” the prosecutor said.

“He asks a pertinent question: if this was supposed to be a Centenary celebration, why were they singing about his murdered wife?

“The answer is because she was a Catholic, and perceived to be from a community background different to those engaged in the singing of the song.”

During police interviews Jones confirmed he was featured singing in the footage.

He stated that he did not mean to cause any offence and had been unaware the incident was being filmed.

Defence counsel Peter Sands branded his client’s behaviour “abhorrent, upsetting and incredibly offensive”.

The barrister said: “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.

“You must have known that the singing of that song would cause offence,” Mr Conner told him.

“The words were insulting and abusive. You have added to the distress of those who knew and loved Michaela McAreavey.

“You have brought shame on yourself and your family, and as a result of this offence you have lost your job.

“You were not alone in singing this song, and I hope that all those who joined in singing this song have been expelled from the band or any other body they were representing that day.”