Northern Ireland

Jamie Bryson to represent himself in court challenge against PSNI

Prominent loyalist blogger Jamie Bryson. Picture by Mal McCann
Prominent loyalist blogger Jamie Bryson. Picture by Mal McCann Prominent loyalist blogger Jamie Bryson. Picture by Mal McCann

LOYALIST blogger Jamie Bryson has said he intends to represent himself in a case to be heard before Newtownards Magistrates Court this morning linked to his arrest earlier this year.

The North Down loyalist is listed in an application against the PSNI and Security Industry Authority (SIA) for the return of material seized from several properties in August during an investigation into the supply of unlicensed door staff.

Mr Bryson is arguing that the SIA had no legal power to directly seize material under police powers known as PACE.

He is also claiming that a search warrant used to seize the property was defective and listed legislation that does not exist in Northern Ireland.

Speaking yesterday Mr Bryson said: "This application is one of a number of challenges to the entire operation deployed against me.

"Searches and arrests must derive from legal powers granted by Parliament. The PSNI and SIA cannot simply invent fancied ambiguities or cobble together some patchwork of powers.

"I have a legal right to represent myself and to be treated equally and fairly. Whether people like that or not, that is the law and I am entitled to be treated equally under it," he added.