Charges withdrawn after Facebook 'glitch' friend request from man to ex-wife
Facebook admitted that there had been a problem with the site on the date in question, and friend requests had been sent to people without the knowledge of users
A man charged with sending a friend request to his ex-wife on Facebook in breach of a non molestation order has had the charge withdrawn after the court heard there was a 'glitch' on the social media platform.
Ken Dougherty (68) of Primity Park in Newbuildings outside Derry was charged with breaching the order on May 23 last year.
At today's sitting of Derry Magistrate's Court a defence barrister Stephen Chapman said that Facebook had admitted that there had been a problem with the site on that date and friend requests had been sent to people without the knowledge of users.
He said that it was an issue 'that had caused quite a stir' on social media.
District Judge Barney McElholm said that 'it must have passed me by'.
The charge against Dougherty was withdrawn.