A 63-year-old Belfast man has been denied bail after being charged with making threats to kill loyalist campaigner Jamie Bryson.

Robert Beck, from Bloomfield Crescent in the city, appeared at the High Court accused of six counts of threats to kill, threats to damage property, and breaching a restraining order. The alleged offences occurred while he was on release in relation to separate charges of harassing BBC broadcaster Stephen Nolan and pestering Mr Bryson.

The court heard that on 1 June, police were alerted to the contents of two phone calls placed to a business in Newtownards, County Down. Voice messages left during those calls contained a series of threats, some naming Mr Bryson, who had previously represented the company at an employment tribunal.

Prosecution counsel Mark Conlon said several people who were threatened later gave statements indicating they recognised Beck's voice as the caller. Beck is prohibited from intimidating or harassing Mr Bryson under a restraining order imposed in earlier criminal proceedings.

During police interview, Beck denied making the calls. However, Mr Conlon told the court that telecommunication inquiries showed the messages originated from Beck's mobile phone. He argued there was a risk Beck would commit further offences if released.

Defence barrister Turlough Madden pointed out that Beck denies the allegations and must be presumed innocent. He said his client has genuine mental health problems.

Lord Justice Treacy refused bail. He said there was cross-over between the personalities involved in the separate prosecutions against Beck, and the defendant appeared to find it difficult or impossible to abide by court orders.