Man accused of harassing female

A Lisburn man accused of harassing a woman and using sectarian language towards her has been refused bail at Craigavon Magistrates Court.

And as he was being taken down to the cells, he launched into a foul-mouthed tirade.

Thomas Robert Reid (31), Rushmore Gardens, was arrested two days before the court on January 30.

Three charges were put to him – disorderly behaviour on January 30 this year, harassment of a female and causing her to fear that violence would be used against her.

A police officer said that he believed that he could connect the accused with the charges.

He added that police would be opposing bail and outlined the background to the matter.

The officer said that at approximately 8.20pm on January 30, the injured party was at her home in Lisburn.

She was heading for the shops when she was confronted by Reid on the steps of her house. He called her a ‘Dublin b—h’ and a ‘fenian b—d’ and said ‘up the UVF’.

The officer said this was the fourth time the accused had been at this lady’s house.

The officer said police feared that if he was released on bail there would be further offences against this lady.

A defending solicitor said her client takes anti-psychotic medication and mixed with alcohol led to misjudgement on his part and that he would comply with bail conditions.

Refusing bail, Deputy District Judge Liam McStay said there was a high risk of interfering with witnesses.