Loyalist remanded on sex charges
A HIGH profile loyalist has been remanded in custody on charges of sexual misconduct with a minor and possession of indecent images.
Mark Harbinson, 42, from Sheepwalk Road, Stoneyford, outside Lisburn,
faced two charges of possession of an indecent image of a child, and three other charges relating to sexual abuse, including rape, when he appeared in Lisburn Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
The defendant denied all the charges.
Harbinson was arrested following a search of his home last Friday, when
mobile phones and other media were seized.
He was subsequently rearrested in the company of the alleged victim on Monday.
The court was told by one of the investigating officers he believed he could connect the defendant with the charges.
He also voiced strong objections to a bail application.
The officer said that during interview the defendant stated he had become "paranoid" following the police investigation and had contacted the girl to advise her to get a new mobile phone.
He was then arrested as he met with the girl in his car.
Questioning the investigating officer, defence said: "Isn't it accepted by police that the two photographs on the defendant's mobile phone were sent to the phone by this girl? There is no suggestion he took these photographs. The line of inquiry is that the girl sent the photographs
to the phone."
The officer said this was the defendant's "excuse".
Defence continued: "He is a man whose roots are firmly placed in the
Stoneyford area. He has a wife and six-month-old child. He has a home in
Stoneyford and has always lived in the area.
"I do not detract from the gravity of these charges but he cannot express his innocence more emphatically."
Rejecting the bail application, and remanding the defendant in custody,
District Judge Rosie Waters said: "These are very serious charges and a very vulnerable injured party.
"Ultimately I am concerned about interference of witnesses and I am concerned about the 13-year-old in all of this."
Harbinson was remanded in custody to appear again on November 24.
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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