No evidence journalist harassed DUP councillor, says PSNI

Luke Poots had claimed BBC investigations correspondent Kevin Magee harassed him

The PSNI has found no evidence that DUP councillor Luke Poots, son of former minister Edwin Poots (above), was harassed by a BBC journalist, Photograph: Kate Geraghty/Irish Times
The PSNI has found no evidence that DUP councillor Luke Poots, son of former minister Edwin Poots (above), was harassed by a BBC journalist, Photograph: Kate Geraghty/Irish Times

The PSNI has found no evidence that a DUP councillor was harassed by a BBC journalist, it was confirmed on Tuesday.

Luke Poots had claimed that BBC journalist Kevin Magee had harassed him when the journalist was inquiring about a planning application.

Mr Magee, who is investigations correspondent for BBC Northern Ireland, was reporting on a planning application by Mr Poots to develop land at his home.

Mr Poots in responding to queries through the DUP insisted that his application was made properly. In the statement he also said he had reported Mr Magee for harassment.

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Mr Poots, who is son of former DUP Minister Edwin Poots, made his complaint in early July.

The PSNI on Tuesday said it had received a report on July 5th about information that was published online and that “no criminal offences have been identified”.

A BBC spokesman said the PSNI’s statement was noted. “The story was a matter of public interest and was reported in accordance with our editorial guidelines,” he said.

Gerry Moriarty

Gerry Moriarty

Gerry Moriarty is the former Northern editor of The Irish Times