Paul Laird, 58, from Gracehill near Ballymena, appeared at Belfast Magistrates' Court on Thursday, March 12, charged with child abduction and stalking.

The charges relate to two incidents involving a 12-year-old girl in Whitehead, Co Antrim, on the evenings of Monday, March 9, and Tuesday, March 10.

Court heard the first encounter occurred in a convenience store where Laird spoke to the girl twice about her fitness and school attendance. She showed her watch displaying a 2km distance covered. As she left, his vehicle passed and beeped its horn twice.

On the second evening in the Belfast Road area, Laird pulled his car onto the pavement alongside the girl. He lowered the passenger window, asked about her steps, and invited her into the vehicle for hot chocolate. She refused multiple times, stating she was going home to her parents. He then drove away.

The girl contacted her mother after the second incident. Police arrested Laird after identifying his vehicle from convenience store CCTV.

In police interviews, Laird said he routinely drove from Gracehill to Whitehead each evening. He claimed to have bought screen wash at the store, recognised the girl from prior sightings, and believed they were friends after the first interaction. He denied abduction intent.

Defence barrister Turlough Madden noted the girl could walk past the car, that Laird stayed inside without threats, and that he cooperated fully with police.

District Judge Anne Marshall refused bail and remanded Laird in custody until April 9. Police stated the Public Prosecution Service will review the charges.