Ballymoney man faces blackmail charge

William Ian Robinson (36) and David Andrew Kealey (33) are accused of blackmailing the money from a businessman on dates between December 16th and January 17th.

They are also accused of intimidating the man from his home on the same dates.

No application for bail was made so the men were remanded in custody.

The court heard the charges against Robinson, from Beechwood Drive, Balnamore, Ballymoney and Kealey, from Burnside Park, Coleraine, arose after a proactive investigation carried out by the serious organised crime branch.

A detective constable told Ballymena Magistrates’ Court on Saturday morning that he believed he could connect the accused to the charges.