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Two Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Councillors have questioned whether a suspended sentence handed out to a man convicted of threatening communications sends a sufficiently strong message.
The Council’s first citizen Glyn Hanna and fellow councillor Henry Reilly attended a recent magistrates court contest to provide “deeply disturbing” evidence as targeted victims.
Defendant, Patrick O’Hare, 37, of Munro Villas, Kilkeel, who pleaded not guilty, was convicted of multiple counts of threatening communications made from December 2025 to February 2026.
District judge Eamonn King handed down a four month suspended sentence and a two year restraining order (July 29).
In a statement released to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the councillors said:”We welcome the fact that this individual has been convicted.
“No one should believe they can make serious threats against elected representatives or their families without facing the full consequences of the law.
“We thank the PSNI and the PPS for their work to secure these convictions.
“People enter public life because they want to serve their communities.
“They should never have to endure threats of violence directed at themselves, their spouses, children or grandchildren simply for carrying out their democratic responsibilities.
“The court heard deeply disturbing evidence, including threats against family members.
“That behaviour crosses every acceptable line and has no place in a civilised society.
“While we respect the court’s decision, we will take time to consider the sentence that has been imposed.”
The LDRS understands that O’Hare made a number of late evening phone calls to the elected members making threats for them to be “put out of Ireland”.
This is the second similar court case of threats made towards Newry, Mourne and Down councillors in recent months.
In September 2025, Patrick McCartan, 67, of Rathgannon, Warrenpoint, was charged with threatening or abusive behaviour under the stalking act towards independent councillor Jarlath Tinnelly seeking re-election in 2023 from May 1 to 18.
The contest case was due to be heard at Newry courthouse, but was withdrawn at the last minute after the defendant accepted a caution.
The councillors’ statement added: ”There is a legitimate question as to whether a suspended sentence sends a sufficiently strong message to others who may believe they can intimidate or threaten those in public office.
“Across the United Kingdom we have seen custodial sentences imposed in cases involving threats against public representatives.
“It is important that the justice system sends an unmistakable message that those who seek to silence or intimidate elected representatives through threats of violence will face serious consequences.
“We hope this conviction will reassure all those in public life that such behaviour will be pursued through the courts and that anyone subjected to similar threats should report them immediately to the PSNI.”
