24/10/2006

Former DUP mayor assaults photographer

Former DUP mayor of Coleraine Dessie Stewart is being investigated by police after allegedly assaulting a member of the press outside Antrim Court House earlier today.

Mr Stewart was due to appear in court for sentencing after admitting to six charges of electoral fraud in 2005, when the incident happened.

Mr Stewart had just arrived at the courthouse, when he reportedly punched a Press Association photographer without warning.

Police are investigating the incident and have taken a statement from the photographer and a number of other people who witnessed the attack.

Mr Stewart's electoral fraud case was put back until November 17.

(EF)

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