Ex-DUP man contests charge of voyeurism

Alan Lewis - PhotopressBelfast.co.uk 24-9-2014
David McConaghie, a political aide to a DUP MP, leaves court after appearing today at Craigavon Magistrates Court charged with voyeurism.David McConaghie, 49, a Free Presbyterian minister, was arrested after Upper Bann MP David Simpson contacted police in September 2012 when a hidden camera was found inside a toilet cubicle used by both male and female staff at his office in Thomas Street, Portadown. Ref : Paul Higgins Court Copy ( Mobile : 07973 157553) — Alan Lewis - PhotopressBelfast.co.uk 24-9-2014 David McConaghie, a political aide to a DUP MP, leaves court after appearing today at Craigavon Magistrates Court charged with voyeurism.David McConaghie, 49, a Free Presbyterian minister, was arrested after Upper Bann MP David Simpson contacted police in September 2012 when a hidden camera was found inside a toilet cubicle used by both male and female staff at his office in Thomas Street, Portadown. Ref : Paul Higgins Court Copy ( Mobile : 07973 157553)

The case against David McConaghie had been in the court list as a preliminary enquiry to transfer it to the Crown Court.

However, a public prosecutor said the matter would not be dealt with summarily and the defendant would only be facing one charge.

This alleges that McConaghie, on dates unknown between August 22, 2012, and September 13, 2012, for the purposes of sexual gratification, recorded another person doing a private act knowing that the other person did not consent to being recorded.

The alleged offence took place at the Portadown offices of Mr Simpson.

McConaghie (50), with an address at Cottage Hill, Dollingstown, stood in the dock as his solicitor told the court he would be contesting the charge.

The case was adjourned until March 25 when a date will be fixed for a hearing at the magistrates’ court.

McConaghie was remanded on continuing bail.

He formerly worked for Mr Simpson as a press officer and speech writer.

McConaghie is a member of the Free Presbyterian Church, and a prominent spokesman for a religious foundation. He had also trained to become a minister in the Free Presbyterian Church.