Judge rejects bid to halt Pastor McConnell trial

A judge has rejected an application to abort the trial of Pastor James McConnell.
By The Newsroom
Published 15th Dec 2015, 15:13 BST
Pastor James McConnell speaks to reporters outside Laganside court complex before the beginning of his trialPastor James McConnell speaks to reporters outside Laganside court complex before the beginning of his trial
Pastor James McConnell speaks to reporters outside Laganside court complex before the beginning of his trial

Pastor McConnell has been charged in connection with a controversial speech made from the pulpit of his Whitewell Tabernacle in north Belfast last May.

Mr McConnell, 78, from Shore Road, Newtownabbey, Co Antrim, is being prosecuted at Belfast Magistrates’ Court under the 2003 Communications Act.

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District Judge Liam McNally said he was not convinced by defence arguments that there were no circumstances under which the preacher could be convicted.

The judge said: “I reject the defence application and I hold that Pastor McConnell does have a case to answer in relation to the charges against him.”

The application to halt proceedings was made on the second day of the high-profile trial.

McConnell is facing two charges - improper use of a public electronic communications network and causing a grossly offensive message to be sent by means of a public electronic communications network - after the remarks were streamed online. He denies both charges.

The case is due to conclude on Wednesday.

Related topics:BelfastNewtownabbey