Not guilty plea entered by man accused of stalking councillor Jarlath Tinnelly
A judge has raised concerns over a witness list in a councillor stalking case.
Patrick McCartan, 67, of Rathgannon, Warrenpoint, is alleged to have harassed a Newry, Mourne and Down councillor seeking re-election in 2023.
A plea of ‘not guilty’ was entered in court on Friday (May 9). A legal representative requested a date of 25 June for a contest to be heard.
The magistrates heard five witnesses have been identified as potentially being brought forward on behalf of the defence.
The defendant faces charges of harassment, two separate counts of improper use of communications; of menacing character and causing anxiety as well as threatening and abusive behaviour under the Stalking Act on dates from 1 May to 25 July, 2023.
The charges relate to the alleged victim, Independent Crotlieve councillor, Jarlath Tinnelly. District Judge Eamonn King indicated concerns over the extended witness list. Defence said: “I will pass on your remarks to the defendant.” DJ King added: “You’d better.”