Man sentenced for online homophobic harassment of PSNI officer

A 54-year-old man has been sentenced at Coleraine Magistrates’ Court for harassing a serving officer of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) through a sustained campaign of online homophobic abuse.

Gordon Downey was ordered to pay a £2,000 fine, awarded £500 in compensation to the victim, and received a three-year restraining order prohibiting any further contact or harassment.

The sentencing follows a detailed police investigation into a prolonged period of harassment that targeted the officer online. The nature of the abuse, described by authorities as “toxic” and “homophobic”, prompted legal action culminating in today’s court ruling.

Deputy Chief Constable Bobby Singleton commented on the case, saying:

“Today’s sentencing follows an investigation into the harassment of a serving PSNI officer who was subject to a toxic campaign of online homophobic hate abuse over a prolonged period of time.”

He went on to stress the broader implications of the verdict, particularly in the context of rising online abuse:

“I hope this sentencing serves as a clear warning to those who wrongly feel that online abuse and harassment can be justified as ‘freedom of expression and speech.’”

Singleton also praised the victim for their courage throughout the legal process, saying:

“I want to acknowledge the determination and resilience of our colleague who stood up and stood firm in the face of this abuse to see justice done.”

The PSNI has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting victims of online abuse and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable. Today’s outcome is being viewed as a significant statement against hate speech and harassment within digital platforms.