Mark Simpson

1 week ago | bbc.com | Mark Simpson

Social media commentary of 'Nama trial' should stop, court hearsMark SimpsonBBC News NI communities correspondentPA MediaThe case is being heard in Belfast Crown CourtThe judge in the trial involving loyalist activist Jamie Bryson has warned defendants in the case not to be commenting on the hearings on social media. One of the lawyers complained about a defendant providing "live commentary" on Twitter. Des Fahy KC said it was improper and complained to the judge.

2 weeks ago | bbc.com | Mark Simpson

Council considers purchasing historic Assembly RoomsMark SimpsonBBC News NI communities correspondentBBCIn January, the Assembly Rooms were placed alongside buildings in Gaza and Ukraine on a list of global 'at risk' heritage sitesThe historic Assembly Rooms in Belfast may soon be taken out of private ownership and bought by Belfast City Council. A potential deal is being considered that could pave the way for the restoration of the derelict building, which dates back to the 18th Century.

2 weeks ago | bbc.com | Mark Simpson

Controversial claims denied in Bryson 'Nama trial'Mark SimpsonBBC News NI communities correspondentBBCThe allegations about Peter Robinson (pictured above) were made in 2015 by Jamie Bryson at a Finance Committee meetingControversial claims about Peter Robinson by the loyalist activist Jamie Bryson at a Stormont committee 10 years ago were replayed in court today. At the time, Mr Robinson was First Minister of Northern Ireland and leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP).

2 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Mark Simpson

Controversial claims about Peter Robinson by the loyalist activist Jamie Bryson at a Stormont committee 10 years ago were replayed in court today. At the time, Mr Robinson was First Minister of Northern Ireland and leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP). He described the allegations made in 2015 by Mr Bryson, about a so-called Nama property deal, as "scurrilous and unfounded" without "one iota of evidence".

2 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Lyndsey Telford |Mark Simpson

Loyalist activist Jamie Bryson and former Sinn Féin assembly member Daithí McKay have appeared together in the dock as the so-called "Nama trial" got under way. Belfast Crown Court heard that the case against the men, as well as Sinn Féin member Thomas O'Hara, concerned an attempt to cause "significant embarrassment" to the then first minister Peter Robinson and others. Mr McKay is accused of committing misconduct in public office, which he denies.