Two men from Omagh have been fined at Omagh Magistrates Court after being convicted of harassing an employee at a proposed gold mine site near Greencastle.

Martin Tracey, 52, of Mullydoo Road, and Michael Conway, 48, of Pollanroe Road, appeared before District Judge Conor Heaney in connection with an incident on January 5, 2022.

The court heard that the employee was part of a team carrying out repairs after a suspected arson fire at the site. Tracey and Conway filmed him at two locations, including an area used for storing explosives. The complainant said he felt fearful and experienced increased anxiety, and was unable to open gates to leave until police arrived.

Both men admitted filming the worker but denied harassment. They argued they were documenting activity they believed should not have been taking place. The complainant also reported that one of the men shouted at him in a threatening manner. While the defendants disputed the threatening nature, Judge Heaney concluded the remarks were indeed threatening.

Judge Heaney found that the conduct of both men amounted to harassment. Tracey, who had a previous relevant conviction, was fined £125. Conway was fined £75.