A 29-year-old man has been charged with possessing an imitation rifle with intent to cause fear of violence. Mark Laverty, of The Meadows, Randalstown, faces the charge in connection with an incident on February 22 this year.

The charge specifically alleges that Laverty had an imitation firearm, a rifle, with intent to cause a person to believe that unlawful violence would be used against them.

At Antrim Magistrates Court, sitting in Ballymena on Tuesday, the case was adjourned to November 24 for the fixing of a date for a preliminary enquiry, the legal step required to send the case to the Crown Court.

No details of the background to the charges were given in court. Laverty has not yet entered a plea.