Man in court charged with Paul Givan harassment

Education Minister Paul Givan reported the alleged harrassment to the PSNI in February

A 62-year-old man has appeared in court charged with harassing Education Minister Paul Givan.

John Hendron, of Cullingtree Fold on the Falls Road in west Belfast, is facing two counts of harassment against Givan and Michael Allen, the principal of Lisneal College in Londonderry.

Mr Hendron's lawyer indicated he will plead guilty to charges, which relate to a series of emails sent to the two men regarding funding for a football pitch.

Mr Hendron, who is a former social worker, has written letters of apology to both men.

The alleged offences were committed on dates between 8 January and 21 February this year.

Lisneal College had become embroiled in controversy following press reports that it had been allocated £710,000 funding for a new football pitch.

In February, Givan said he had reported the alleged harassment to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and confirmed that the "malicious" emails were related to Lisneal College.

Givan denied having any influence over the pitch upgrade, insisting the funding decision was made by Northern Ireland's Education Authority.

Mr Allen has since taken up a new post as education adviser for the Strule Shared Education Campus in Omagh.

Letters of apology

Mr Hendron made no comment as he appeared in the dock for the first time.

However, defence solicitor Pearse MacDermott said he was prepared to accept both charges.

The court heard that the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) will now be asked to consider an alternative disposal to a formal conviction.

Plans to seek interim reporting restrictions based on the Article 2: Right to life were also abandoned.

With Mr Hendron already identified in the press, his lawyer withdrew the application because "the horse has bolted".

District Judge Steven Keown adjourned proceedings until next month and released the defendant on continuing bail.

Speaking outside court, Mr MacDermott outlined the efforts made by Mr Hendron since he was charged.

"Mr Hendron has offered to meet both men to apologise to them in person," the solicitor said.

"He has also written letters of apology to be sent to both of them."