Belfast court hears man and woman had sex inside church

A man and woman allegedly had sex inside a Belfast church in front of shocked onlookers, a court has been told.

Sean Paul Russell, 36, and Kirsty McMaster, 31, were arrested at St Mary’s Church on Chapel Lane in the city centre on Saturday afternoon.

A judge was told they shouted obscenities at police officers called to the scene, with Ms McMaster saying: “It’s just sex.”

Mr Russell, of Saul Street in Downpatrick, and Ms McMaster, of no fixed abode, are jointly charged with committing an act outraging public decency.

They both also face a second count of disorderly behaviour in connection with the incident.

Belfast Magistrates’ Court heard police were alerted by several members of the public attending the church.

“A male and female were engaging in sexual intercourse in a room in the church which was visible to people outside,” a PSNI constable said.

She said the pair launched a foul-mouthed tirade when they were subsequently challenged about their behaviour.