Hanna Marshall, acquitted of disorderly behaviour outside loyalist Dee Stitt’s home, continues to face intimidation and legal challenges amid rising tensions linked to North Down UDA paramilitary pressures.
Hanna Marshall, a 32-year-old woman from Bangor, has been acquitted of charges of disorderly behaviour outside the home of loyalist leader Dee Stitt, despite her ongoing legal troubles stemming from threats against her by the North Down UDA. During her court appearance, the tensions surrounding her situation were palpably evident, illuminating the complexities of personal grievances intertwined with paramilitary influences in Northern Ireland.
The event in question occurred on August 22, when Marshall was accused of berating Stitt and the UDA outside his residence, leading to her arrest. In her defence, Marshall reportedly expressed disdain for both Stitt and the paramilitary group, saying, "f*** Dee Stitt and the UDA,” highlighting the emotional weight of her circumstances. In prior proceedings, her solicitor discussed her mental health challenges, including a significant self-harm incident earlier in the year, indicating that her situation was far from straightforward. Ultimately, she received a suspended sentence of four months in jail and a 16-month driving ban, reflecting the court's mixed stance on her behaviour versus her vulnerabilities.
Marshall's situation is compounded by escalating threats she faces, which reportedly date back to April 2022 when masked men confronted her sister, demanding Marshall vacate her home within 24 hours. This backdrop of intimidation and harassment paints a grim picture of life under paramilitary threat in Northern Ireland. Given that Marshall has also pleaded not guilty to other charges, including making threats to kill and criminal damage, her legal battles appear far from over. Her lawyers have signalled plans to serve a county court injunction against Stitt, a move that underscores the ongoing legal tensions between her and the UDA, as well as the broader implications of their influence within the local community.
In a related context, Stitt himself faces serious allegations, including inciting religious hatred through a social media post made while on holiday in Spain. This incident has attracted considerable attention, as it raises questions about the impact of social media on public order and community tensions in Northern Ireland. The intertwining of Stitt’s legal issues and Marshall’s peril illustrates the precarious balance many individuals must navigate amid the region's tumultuous legacy of paramilitary activity.
As Marshall's next court hearing approaches in October, her plight continues to evoke sympathy and concern, revealing the complex interplay of personal and political struggles that define many lives in Northern Ireland today.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative is recent, with the article published on June 2, 2025. The earliest known publication date of similar content is June 28, 2022, when Hanna Marshall was charged with threatening to kill Jacqueline Stitt, Dee Stitt's wife. ([sundayworld.com](https://www.sundayworld.com/crime/courts/mum-at-centre-of-uda-intimidation-video-charged-with-threatening-to-kill-dee-stitts-wife/a879728986.html?utm_source=openai)) The report is based on a press release from the Belfast Telegraph, which typically warrants a high freshness score. No discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were found. The narrative includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged. No similar content appeared more than 7 days earlier.
Quotes check
Score:
9
Notes:
The direct quote from Hanna Marshall, "f*** Dee Stitt and the UDA," appears in earlier material, notably in a June 28, 2022, article. ([sundayworld.com](https://www.sundayworld.com/crime/courts/mum-of-two-under-threat-from-loyalists-tells-court-f-dee-stitt-and-the-uda/a313478176.html?utm_source=openai)) The wording is identical, indicating potential reused content. No online matches were found for other quotes, suggesting they may be original or exclusive.
Source reliability
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative originates from the Belfast Telegraph, a reputable organisation. The main source, Jacqueline Stitt, failed to attend court to give evidence against Marshall, leading to the acquittal. No unverifiable entities or fabricated information were identified.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative's claims are plausible and consistent with known events. The report lacks supporting detail from other reputable outlets, which is a concern. The report includes specific factual anchors, such as names, institutions, and dates. The language and tone are consistent with the region and topic. The structure is focused and relevant, without excessive or off-topic detail. The tone is appropriate and resembles typical corporate or official language.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is recent and originates from a reputable source. While some quotes appear in earlier material, the overall content is plausible and consistent with known events. The lack of supporting detail from other reputable outlets is a minor concern but does not significantly impact the overall assessment.
