A Belfast man has been sentenced to prison for threatening online communications and property damage targeting Northern Ireland’s deputy first minister and a fellow politician.
Aaron Thomas Curragh, 34, pleaded guilty to charges including threats against DUP Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly and criminal damage to the office of DUP assembly member Joanne Bunting.
Curragh received a 31-month sentence, with 15.5 months in custody and the remainder on license. The court heard that Curragh’s online threats against Little-Pengelly, including videos seemingly showing her home, caused significant distress, leading her to consider relocating.
The threatening messages, posted on the platform formerly known as Twitter, contained explicit threats against Little-Pengelly’s safety. One message stated, “It’s a real shame I can’t upload where I am… but I hope you’re alive by the time I get uploading Emma.”
Regarding the damage to Bunting’s office, Curragh admitted to smashing windows and posted messages on social media, including one 15 minutes before the incident that read, “Ready to be a target DUP,” alongside a masked-man GIF. He was apprehended with a weapon near the scene.
Both Little-Pengelly and Bunting provided victim impact statements detailing the fear and distress caused by Curragh’s actions. Little-Pengelly described feeling “apprehensive and alone,” while Bunting noted her staff “remained in fear of violence.”
During a probation interview, Curragh indicated his intention to leave Northern Ireland after release, citing the region’s divisions. The court noted his irrational thinking and rejected his request for a mental health assessment. Defense counsel cited personal difficulties contributing to the offenses.
Judge Gordon Kerr KC highlighted the increasing prevalence of online abuse against public figures and stated that Curragh’s actions went “well beyond any accepted level of criticism.” A seven-year restraining order was imposed, prohibiting contact with the victims.
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