A Lisburn councillor has described a series of complaints and legal threats that he said left him feeling intimidated and unable to speak freely.

Ulster Unionist councillor Nicholas Trimble made the remarks during a council debate on a motion to defend freedom of speech. He told the chamber that a few years ago he gave a witness statement to police and afterwards was confronted by an individual whose comments he found threatening.

Trimble said the same person later submitted complaints to the Ulster Unionist Party, the Mayor’s Office and the Commissioner for Local Government Standards, and also threatened legal action. The councillor said he had to seek legal advice and that the experience caused severe stress, but all complaints were eventually dismissed.

“Lawful speech should always be protected,” Trimble told councillors.

The motion was brought forward by independent councillor Gary Hynds. It called on the council to reaffirm its commitment to freedom of expression, open democratic debate and the right of individuals to express lawful opinions without unfair interference.

Hynds argued that free speech is a fundamental right and a cornerstone of democracy, not a privilege granted by institutions. He said there is growing public concern that the balance between protecting people from harm and protecting free expression is becoming blurred, and that no authority should decide which lawful opinions can be aired.

He added that people should be free to hear different views and make up their own minds.