A MAN has been ordered to shut down his Facebook page as part of his bail conditions.
Jason Howell (28) with an address at Murray’s Terrace, Ballynahinch, Co Down, was brought before Enniskillen Magistrates Court on Wednesday for breach of bail after a post was published on his Facebook page, which was in violation of his bail conditions.
A spokesperson for the PSNI said they believed Howell had breached his bail on other occasions, but said they had no proof of this.
Howell is on bail on charges of breaching a non-molestation order, criminal damage, attempts to choke, and common assault on his former partner in Enniskillen.
He was arrested last week after the sister of the injured party contacted police to say Howell had posted a photograph of his son on Facebook, in breach of one of his bail conditions which states he should not be on social media.
Police said they were concerned about Howell being let back out on bail again as there was “a significant domestic” element to the case.
Defence solicitor Stephen Fitzpatrick claimed there were inconsistencies in the injured party’s allegations, and said Howell did not accept the alleged breach of his bail conditions. He stated a number of people had access to Howell’s Facebook account, and even suggested the injured party or someone else may have published the post.
Stating the Facebook post did not appear to be threatening, District Judge Nigel Broderick asked why a ban on social media had been included in his bail conditions in the first place. A police officer told Judge Broderick the condition had been introduced as a result of Howell’s use of Snapchat.
Judge Broderick re-admitted Howell to his own bail of £500, and ordered that his Facebook account be shut down within 48 hours. He also ordered him to reside at a police-approved address in Ballynahinch, and ordered him not to enter the county of Fermanagh except to attend his court hearings.
To read more.. Subscribe to current edition
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere