THE trial of a former Sinn Fein councillor accused of abusing her stepdaughter more than 30 years ago is to begin in Belfast tomorrow.
Briege Meehan is the widow of the Ardoyne republican Martin Meehan, who died six years ago.
She was first elected to Newtownabbey council in 2001.
Mrs Meehan was suspended from her post in February 2009 after allegations of child abuse were made and later she stood down because of ill health.
Mrs Meehan is accused of abusing her stepdaughter Mary, who has waived her right to anonymity, on dates in 1979 and 1980.
The 66-year-old will appear before Belfast Crown Court charged with four counts of gross indecency, one of attempted indecency, two of indecent assault on a minor and one count of child cruelty.
The offences are alleged to have taken place while Mrs Meehan was caring for her stepdaughter, who was 10 at the time, while her father Martin was in prison.
The alleged victim's mother, also called Mary, died in 1977 following an illness.
During preliminary court appearances Mrs Meehan's defence team indicated to the court that their client intended to deny the charges.
? STEPMOTHER: Briege Meehan