Accused of harassing Sinn Fein councillor

John Lamont (31), of Blackstone Road, is alleged to have harassed Patrice Hardy. The councillor represents the Bannside electoral area on Mid and East Antrim Borough Council which includes Blackstone Road.

Lamont, was wearing a suit, shirt and tie as he appeared briefly in the dock at Ballymena Magistrates Court on Thursday and nodded to confirm he understood the charges he faces.

He faces six charges - three of pursuing a course of conduct which amounted to harassment of Ms Hardy, another female and a male. Lamont is further accused of three counts, on corresponding dates, that he persistently made use of a public electronic communications network for the purpose of causing annoyance, inconvenience or needless anxiety to another.

The offences are alleged to have occurred on dates between March 1 and December 31, 2016.

The offences relating specifically to Councillor Hardy allegedly happened on dates between April 1 and November 26, 2016.

A prosecutor said a seventh charge - assault - which was not on the court charge sheet, was not being proceeded with.

A defence lawyer asked for the case to be adjourned for a week and legal aid was granted for Lamont.

No further details were given to the court and the defendant was released on continuing police bail.