27/01/2006

Paul Berry hearing put back for two weeks

The Democratic Unionist Party has today been prevented from taking any legal action against a suspended Assembly member for a further two weeks.

Newry and Armagh Assembly member Paul Berry is currently challenging the DUP's disciplinary moves following his suspension in July 2005 after newspaper claims concerning his private life were published.

Mr Berry has already been granted an injunction against the DUP to prevent them going ahead with moves to throw him out of the party.

The hearing, which was held today at Belfast High Court, revealed that new evidence had been brought to light in regards to the assembly member, and it could take up to two weeks to attain it.

It is understood the material referred to is an alleged recording of transactions between Mr Berry and another man.

The lawyers acting on behalf of both parties were ordered to spend the next fortnight obtaining new information for the case.

The hearing will resume on February 10.

(EF/CL)


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