Belfast resident Robert Beck, 63, of Bloomfield Crescent, received bail from Mr Justice McAlinden on charges including harassment of broadcaster Stephen Nolan, disorderly behaviour, and possession of an offensive weapon in public.

Beck faces additional prosecution for breaching a restraining order related to Jamie Bryson, a loyalist activist. On October 25, he went to BBC Blackstaff House studios in Belfast to demand a meeting with Nolan. Security called police, and he left the site.

Police later found Beck in a nearby city centre hotel writing a letter for Nolan. A search revealed a claw hammer in his jacket. Beck asked officers to deliver the letter and stated he would confront Nolan wherever possible.

Prosecutors noted up to four attempts to contact Nolan with letters described as concerning. Less than a day prior, Beck had been granted bail on the Bryson restraining order breach, where he sought Nolan's involvement in an investigation of Bryson.

Beck's defence stated the hammer was for DIY work and was not brandished. A medical report showed his mental health had stabilised since a hypomanic diagnosis in November.

Bail conditions include a curfew, bans on entering parts of north Down or the Belfast hotel, and no contact with Nolan or Bryson. Beck must avoid an exclusion zone around BBC buildings in Belfast, marked on a provided map.

The judge declined to require a cash surety to facilitate Beck's release into mental health support.