Teenager in court over social media post about Manchester bombing

Belfast man Kevin O’Neill faces charge of improper use of public electronic communications network

Flowers in St Ann’s Square in Manchester a few days after last month’s terror attack at the Manchester Arena. Photograph: Oli Scarff/AFP/Getty Images
Flowers in St Ann’s Square in Manchester a few days after last month’s terror attack at the Manchester Arena. Photograph: Oli Scarff/AFP/Getty Images

A teenager accused of posting a grossly offensive message about the Manchester bombing on social media is to confirm next month if he will contest the charge.

Kevin O’Neill appeared before Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Monday over comments he allegedly made online in the wake of the atrocity.

The 19-year-old, from Cliftonville Road, Belfast, faces a charge of improper use of a public electronic communications network. He was arrested last month under the Malicious Communications Act.

Twenty-two people were killed and scores more injured when a suicide bomber attacked fans leaving an Ariana Grande pop concert at the Manchester Arena on May 22nd.

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O’Neill spoke only to confirm he understood the charge against him.

Defence solicitor Sarah McKeown requested a two-week adjournment to consider all the papers received in the case. She is expected to confirm her client’s attitude to the charge on his next appearance. O’Neill was released on continuing bail to return to court on July 3rd.