A Newry gym owner accused of breaching Covid regulations will “challenge the legality of restrictions”, court has heard.
The Covid charges arise following a handful of videos, shot by the 32-year-old at The Gym in the city, which shows half a dozen officers arresting him after they gain entry to his premises as he debates with them the legalities of their actions.
Declan Trainor, of Rossmara Park in Warrenpoint, is charged with three counts of contravening requirements under the Covid restrictions and three counts of failing to comply with a prohibition notice.
At a previous hearing, it was heard that the defendant would be contesting the charges “no matter what” the content of police bodycam footage was.
At Newry Magistrates’ on Wednesday, defence barrister Craig Patton informed the court that the appropriate documentation had been provided to the prosecution service for a contest date to be identified.
He stated: “My client seeks to challenge the legality of restrictions…this will take some time. I am sure your worship can see what I am dealing with.”
The barrister added that given the defence that there may in time be an application for exceptionality.
District Judge Eamonn King adjourned the case until August 4 for a contest date to be identified.
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