More charges for South Shields man accused of posting Facebook threats against Americans

A British man who allegedly posted on Facebook threats to kill 200 people in America will face extra charges, a court heard today.

Reece Elliott, 24, from Fossway, South Shields, appeared before magistrates in the town, where his case was committed to the crown court.

He was originally charged with making threats to kill and malicious communication after posts were made last month on a tribute page for a Tennessee girl who died in a car accident.

The day after the comments were made, 3,000 children did not attend classes in Warren County and security was beefed up at local schools.

Sarah Guest, prosecuting, said Elliott will now face five separate charges of making threats to kill and nine charges under the Communications Act.

They were effectively specimen charges stemming from the same alleged incident, she said.

There was no application for bail for Elliott, who has been in custody since his arrest and first court appearance on February 9.

The defendant was remanded in custody to appear before Newcastle Crown Court on April 19.

Magistrates declined jurisdiction in the case.

No pleas have been entered yet.