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Former mayor attacks photographer Former mayor attacks photographer
(40 minutes later)
A former DUP mayor of Coleraine has attacked a press photographer outside a courthouse in County Antrim.A former DUP mayor of Coleraine has attacked a press photographer outside a courthouse in County Antrim.
Dessie Stewart admitted electoral fraud during the 2005 elections and is to be sentenced at Antrim Crown Court.Dessie Stewart admitted electoral fraud during the 2005 elections and is to be sentenced at Antrim Crown Court.
When Stewart arrived at the court he threw a punch at a Press Association photographer.When Stewart arrived at the court he threw a punch at a Press Association photographer.
BBC political correspondent Gareth Gordon was outside the court and said Stewart attacked the photographer "without warning".BBC political correspondent Gareth Gordon was outside the court and said Stewart attacked the photographer "without warning".
"Luckily he managed to turn his head on time and the blow struck him on the back of his neck," he said."Luckily he managed to turn his head on time and the blow struck him on the back of his neck," he said.
He said there was some pushing and Stewart then went into the court.He said there was some pushing and Stewart then went into the court.
He added that the photographer had reported the incident to the police.He added that the photographer had reported the incident to the police.
Mr Stewart, who has already resigned from Coleraine Council, has also left the DUP.Mr Stewart, who has already resigned from Coleraine Council, has also left the DUP.
In September, Stewart admitted four counts of pretending to be someone else in order to cast postal votes, and two of fraudulently stopping free exercise of a proxy vote.In September, Stewart admitted four counts of pretending to be someone else in order to cast postal votes, and two of fraudulently stopping free exercise of a proxy vote.
The case was adjourned then for pre-sentence reports.The case was adjourned then for pre-sentence reports.
The charges relate to the last general and local government elections, which were held on the same day in May 2005. However, at Antrim court on Tuesday, sentencing was put back until 17 November because of what the judge said were outstanding factual issues which needed to be resolved.
The charges against Stewart relate to the last general and local government elections, which were held on the same day in May 2005.
A councillor since 1989, Stewart was re-elected to council with 773 votes in The Skerries area which includes his home town of Portrush.A councillor since 1989, Stewart was re-elected to council with 773 votes in The Skerries area which includes his home town of Portrush.