Loyalist Willie Frazer arrives at court dressed as Abu Hamza

Loyalist campaigner Willie Frazer arrived at Belfast's Laganside court on Friday dressed as radical Muslim cleric Abu Hamza.

He was wearing a black robe, skullcap, a fake beard, an eye-patch and hooked hand.

Mr Frazer, 53, was protesting at being charged under legislation that, he claims, was brought in to deal with militant Islamic preachers.

He faces charges linked to union flag demonstrations in January.

Mr Frazer was accompanied by other prominent flag protesters, Jim Dowson and Jamie Bryson.

In a statement, he said the only people in the United Kingdom to be charged under these "hate preaching laws" have been peaceful Protestant/Christian protesters from Northern Ireland.

The loyalist, from Markethill, County Armagh, faces three charges of taking part in an un-notified public procession. He also faces a charge of obstructing traffic, possession of a prohibited weapon and encouraging or assisting an offence to be committed.

He is due to appear in court again next week.