An unemployed man who trawled the internet leaving obscene messages on tribute sites for dead people is facing jail after being brought to court under a rarely-used law.
Colm Coss found Facebook memorials to victims of high-profile tragedies around the world - and defaced them with sexual slurs.
His targets included a site dedicated to Jade Goody, the reality TV star who died of cancer.
He was prosecuted under the Communications Act 2003, which governs all 'communications networks' including internet, e-mail, mobile phone calls and text messages.
Coss of Ardwick, Manchester, also posted sick comments about a car crash victim in Australia, and a dead baby in the U.S.
Coss targeted the sites purely for his own amusement and to get a reaction, Manchester magistrates were told.
He was only caught when he sent residents on his street photos of himself saying he was an internet 'troll' - a term used to describe someone who posts offensive comments to upset or provoke a reaction from others. The neighbours rang police.
When Coss was arrested, he admitted the offence.
Matthew Siddall, prosecuting, said: 'The defendant told police that he finds the comments amusing. He said it causes reaction.'
Coss, who showed no emotion during the hearing, has previous convictions for harassment and dishonesty, the court heard.
District Judge Khalid Qureshi told Coss: 'This crosses the custody threshold.'
Coss was granted bail and will be sentenced later this month.
Daily Mail
