Pastor faces December trial over Islam comments

 Pastor James McConnell faces two charges connected to a controversial sermon he made from the pulpit of his Belfast church last year.

During a brief hearing at Laganside Magistrates' Court, defence solicitor Cathy Mulhern confirmed dates had been fixed for a December hearing.

The purpose of the mention, she told District Judge George Conner, was to ensure progress was being made in the high-profile case.

Ms Mulhern said: "It was to make sure that matters are still on track. I understand that they are."

McConnell, 78, from Shore Road, Newtownabbey, Co Antrim, is being prosecuted under the 2003 Communications Act.

He faces two charges - improper use of a public electronic communications network and causing a grossly offensive message to be sent by means of a public electronic communications network - after remarks made from the pulpit of Whitewell Metropolitan Tabernacle in north Belfast were streamed online.

The evangelical fundamentalist, who denies the charges, was excused from appearing at the hearing which lasted less than two minutes.

As a result, hundreds of Christian supporters who have previously protested outside the court were also absent.

Three days have been set aside for the trial, which is scheduled to start on December 14, and lawyers are currently liaising over the provision of statements, the court was told.

District Judge Conner said he was grateful for any action which "shortens the timetable".

The hearing has been adjourned for mention on December 3.  BelfastGraph