A WEST Belfast man has appeared in court charged with making threats to kill loyalist flag protester Jamie Bryson.
Ryan Padraig Maguire (25), from Springhill Rise, appeared at Newtownards Magistrates Court yesterday where he is facing two charges of threatening the prominent Co Down loyalist "by means of a public electronic communications network a message, or other matter, that was grossly offensive or indecent, obscene or of a menacing character".
He is facing a further charge that he caused Bryson to fear violence, and two charges of threatening to kill him, on dates between August 15 and 17, last year.
Bryson, from Donaghadee, became the face of loyalist anger over the restricted use of the Union flag outside Belfast City Hall in 2013. In May this year he received a suspended prison sentence for taking part in illegal public processions.
A constable told the court that he could connect Maguire to the charges, and his lawyer indicated he would be pleading not guilty to all.
Deputy District Judge Una Mullan adjourned the case to September 3 where a date will be fixed for a contest.
