Policeman allegedly lied about his car being stolen

Standing in the dock of Craigavon Magistrates Court, 46-year-old Alfred Beattie confirmed that he was aware of the charge against him and that had received legal papers in the case.

Beattie, with an address as c/o Lisburn Road PSNI station, is accused of making a false witness statement “intending to pervert the course of justice” on April 26 last year, in that he claimed his car had been stolen.

A further charge that he drove carelessly on the Steedstown Road in Lisburn on the same date was adjourned for six months to July 15 while a charge that Beattie drove while unfit through drink or drugs was withdrawn.

No facts surrounding the allegations were opened in court.

Releasing Beattie on his own bail of £500, Judge Bates ordered him to appear at Craigavon Crown Court on February 18.