Willie Frazer refused bail over flag protests
One of the most prominent Union flag protesters in Northern Ireland has been refused bail because of the danger of reoffending.
Willie Frazer, 52, faces six charges including participating or taking part in an unnotified public procession and possession of a Taser stun gun.
It related to public demonstrations held on Saturdays at Belfast City Hall against the decision to restrict the flying of the flag there.
A Belfast district judge refused him bail.
District judge Mervyn Bates said: “Given everything I have heard about this matter… I don’t consider you to be a suitable candidate for bail in this case.”
The first charge accused Frazer of addressing a public assembly outside Belfast’s City Hall on January 19, capable of encouraging or assisting the commission of one or more offences including participating in an unnotified public procession.
The final charge accused him of possession of the Taser, although Frazer’s lawyer said he thought it was a cattle prod.
An investigating officer said: “Police believe the defendant will continue to encourage members of the public by way of public speaking, engaging with members of the press and engaging in protest.
“Prior to that, many protests have descended into serious public disorder and descended into violence to property and injury to police and significant damage to the economy of Northern Ireland.”
Frazer is not charged with organising the parades.
His solicitor, Richard Smith, said: “It is the defendant’s case that he did not believe at any stage that he was involved in an unnotified parade.”
