A Co. Armagh pastor accused of offences arising from a social media video did not make an appearance in court where he was today (Wednesday) connected to a number of charges.
Barry Halliday, of Bessbrook Road, Mountnorris is charged with two counts of improper use of communications and intimidation of a witness.
A video discussing ‘Black Lives Matters’ protestors was posted on the 52-year-old’s Facebook page on June 9 which is alleged to have been “grossly offensive”.
At Newry Magistrates’, sitting at Lisburn today, a constable connected the defendant to the charges in his absence.
The particulars alleged that Halliday also intimidated a female by naming her on a Facebook video posted on June 12 and June 17, of this year.
On these same dates, he is also accused of sending a message of a “menacing character” by means of public electronic communications.
On a second charge sheet, which related to the ‘Black Lives Matter’ video, the defendant is also alleged to have sent a message that was “grossly offensive” by means of public electronic communications on June 9, of this year.
Following the connection to both sets of charges, District Judge Amanda Henderson adjourned the case until August 5 for an update.
