Frazer remanded over flags offences

Published Friday, 01 March 2013
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Loyalist campaigner Willie Frazer has been remanded in custody accused of encouraging offences by giving a speech to Union flag protestors.

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The 52-year-old is also alleged to have joined unnotified public processions and to have been in possession of an illegal Taser stun-gun.

A judge at Belfast Magistrates' Court ruled that he was not a suitable candidate for bail.

Frazer was told that he could seek release at the High Court, but made it clear that this was not his plan.

Amid applause from supporters in the public gallery, he said: "Thank you, your honour, but I would rather stay in jail."

The hearing lasted around 15 minutes on Friday and, after he was led into the dock, Frazer smiled at his supporters and family.

One of the supporters waved a flag and was quickly ushered out by a security guard.

A number of protestors gathered outside City Hall following the hearing and caused severe traffic disruption for a time.

Frazer, from Tandragee Road in Markethill, Co Armagh, was arrested at his home on Wednesday.

He faces a total of six charges allegedly committed over the last two months, during ongoing protests linked to the decision to restrict the flying of the Union flag at City Hall.

They include encouraging or assisting offences, believing one or more will be committed, by addressing a public assembly at Donegall Square in Belfast on 19 January.

It is the defendant's case that he did not believe at any stage that he was involved in an unnotified parade.

Richard Smith, Frazer’s solicitor

Frazer is also accused of three counts of taking part in an unnotified public procession, obstructing traffic in a public place, and possession of a prohibited weapon - namely a Taser.

Opposing bail, a police officer claimed there was a risk of further offending.

He also alleged that Frazer could continue to encourage others through public speaking and talking to the press.

Defence barrister Richard Smyth argued that his client had urged the crowd at City Hall to "keep it peaceful".

Mr Smyth insisted: "What this applicant is alleged to have said at the scene wasn't in any way inflammatory."

He also pointed to the accused's clear record and raised issues about his health.

Dealing with the Taser allegations, the lawyer said Frazer had taken it from people involved in a dispute in Markethill a number of years ago - believing it was a cattle prodder that didn't work.

Mr Smyth added: "This man's profile, and I accept he does have a profile, has brought him before the court."

However, District Judge Mervyn Bates decided to refuse bail based on the more serious charges of encouraging offences and having a prohibited weapon.

He told Frazer: "The grounds of objection are founded on the frequency of this kind of offence at the current time and the harm it is doing to the economy of this country.

"Given everything I have heard about this matter ... I do not consider you to be a suitable candidate for bail."

Frazer was remanded in custody to appear again in four weeks time.

© UTV News
Comments Comments
63 Comments
marie in belfast wrote (108 days ago):
Typical il-educated loyalists.... Willie Frazer decided he would rather stay in jail and not apply for bail his own fault.
Wayne in oz in Western Australia wrote (108 days ago):
Well said true loyalist ..
Barry in Carrickfergus wrote (108 days ago):
@Stickblade What planet are you on? The decision not to fly the flag 365 days was made by representatives who were elected by the people of Belfast. So the people of Belfast could reverse the decision IF THEY WANTED TO, using the same process. However, wouldn't it be dreadful if people voted in council elections purely on the basis of how a flag is flown. There can be few sentiments more vacuous than flying a flag, which speaks volumes about the people who are so preoccupied by it.
Stickyblade in Belfast wrote (108 days ago):
This is the only country that is not allowed to fly it's own flag 365 days a year, total and utter madness!!
Pat in Portglenone wrote (109 days ago):
Willie was standing up for what he believes in. So much for a "Free Country", and murderers walk free!!.
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