Saturday, 30 July 2022 | 18.8°C Belfast
Belfast High Court. Photo: Peter Morrison
A woman “in the public eye” allegedly subjected to harassment does not feature in any private sex tape, the High Court has heard.
B ut prosecutors claimed Co Down man Aaron Foster has a fixation with her and could attempt to manipulate other recordings to wrongly impose her image.
The 25-year-old, of Old Market Square in Newtownards, is being prosecuted for an alleged campaign against the woman, who cannot be identified.
Foster denies charges of harassment, persistent improper use of a public communications network, and disclosing a private sexual photograph or film with intent to cause distress on dates between May 19 and June 1 this year.
He is allegedly linked to a posting on Facebook which indicated that a sex tape associated with the woman was going to be revealed, the court was told.
With the complainant adamant Foster could not be in possession of any such recording, he was granted bail last month after accepting that none existed.
However, he was subsequently returned to custody for allegedly breaching a ban on contacting the woman.
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Opposing his bid to be re-released, Crown lawyer Fiona O’Kane contended: “He has developed some form of fixation with her.”
Counsel also claimed he sent a letter to the complainant and wants a sit-down meeting with her.
“There are concerns that he (could) manipulate some other video (to put) her image in it,” Mrs O’Kane added.
“The injured party has a job in the public eye, this is affecting her job and she must remain anonymous.”
Defence barrister Garrett O’Kane insisted there is no evidence that Foster disclosed any private sexual photograph or video.
“There is no image, so there can’t be an offence,” he submitted.
Mr O’Kane argued that his client should not be kept in custody on “limited” allegations of harassment.
Adjourning the bail application, Lady Chief Justice Dame Siobhan Keegan requested more information on any underlying medical conditions Foster has.
She stressed: “I don’t think that anyone should underestimate the seriousness of these types of charges which obviously will be contested.”
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