Couple accused of having sex inside Belfast church in front of shocked onlookers

Sean Paul Russell, 36, and Kirsty McMaster, 31, were arrested at St Mary’s on Chapel Lane in the city centre on Saturday afternoon.

A judge was told the pair shouted obscenities at PSNI officers called to the scene, with McMaster declaring to them: “It’s just sex.”

Russell, of Saul Street in Downpatrick, and McMaster, of no fixed abode, are jointly charged with committing an act outraging public decency. They both also face a second count of disorderly behaviour in connection with the incident.

Belfast Magistrates’ Court heard police were alerted by several members of the public attending the chapel.

“A male and female were engaging in sexual intercourse in a room in the church which was visible to people outside,” a PSNI constable said. She claimed the pair launched a foul-mouthed tirade when they were subsequently challenged about their behaviour.

“The female suspect shouted ‘It’s just sex’ and told police to ‘f*** off’,” the officer added. “The male also used foul language and said he ‘didn’t give a f***’.”

During interviews following their arrest McMaster said she had been extremely drunk.

She thought any sexual activity had taken place on the street outside the church, according to her statement.

But the constable insisted: “This is a very concerning case where no respect was shown for anybody else (in the area).”

A barrister representing Russell said he was apologetic for what happened.

“It’s obviously a very unpleasant incident, and there are morality issues about the venue,” Luke Curran acknowledged.

Mr Curran disclosed that his client suffers from bipolar disorder and had travelled to Belfast to attend a hospital appointment.

Russell was refused bail and remanded in custody until next month.

Granting McMaster’s application for release, District Judge Steven Keown banned her from drinking in public and imposed a prohibition on entering Chapel Lane.

Adjourning the case until June 17, Mr Keown said: “It’s an extremely worrying incident, the circumstances are very concerning.”