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, 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, several 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.
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 was played as Jones attended court 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 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 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”.
He 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.