Ballymoney man in court on 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 aned 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 when officers raided a number of properties in County Antrim.

Three people were arrested and a car was seized during the police operation.

A 35-year-old woman who was arrested during the operation was released on police bail pending further enquiries.

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