A 34-year old Belfast man appeared in court today (Thursday) where he admitted damaging windows belonging to DUP MLA Joanne Bunting.
Aaron Thomas Curragh faced a total of five charges which were levelled at him at Belfast Crown Court. From Whincroft Road in the east of the city, Curragh was charged that on December 9, 2023 he damaged a window belonging to ‘Joanne Bunting MLA’.
When asked how he pleaded, Curragh replied “guilty”.
He was then charged with a further two criminal damage offences dating back to July 12, 2024 - namely damaging a window belonging to ‘Joanne Bunting MLA’ and damaging a window belonging to Holmes and Moffitt Solicitors. Curragh admitted both these charges.
A court clerk then charged Curragh that on July 8, 2024 he sent a message ‘which conveyed a threat of death or serious harm’. He denied this charge and also entered a ‘not guilty’ plea to possessing metal pole on July 12, 2024 with the intention of using it to destroy or damage a window belonging to Joanne Bunting MLA.
After all five charges were put to his client, defence barrister Richard McConkey KC told Judge Gordon Kerr KC that a trial was required and that the hearing would last between two and three days.
Judge Kerr set the trial date for June 11 and said he would review the case on May 20.
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