Man in court over Neil Lennon hate sites

A MAN appeared in court yesterday after being arrested over alleged internet sectarian offences targeting Celtic manager Neil Lennon.

Iain Rooney, 24, has been accused of creating websites where hate messages about the Glasgow football club boss were posted last season. Rooney, of Callander, appeared in private at Stirling Sheriff Court where he faced three charges in total.

Two were breach of the peace, one of which was with religious aggravation.

The third charge related to an alleged contravention of section 38(1) of the Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010. The act relates to a person behaving in a threatening or abusive manner. Court officials said this charge involves racial and religious aggravation.

Rooney made no plea or declaration during the petition hearing before Sheriff William Gilchrist. The case was committed for further examination and Rooney was released on bail.