Irish Republican News · March 8, 2004

Man charged after PSNI harassment

The owner of a Bed & Breakfast on Antrim Road in north Belfast said he could not believe that he was being prosecuted after PSNI intimidated and harassed him in his own home.

He said two police officers barged into his house on Wednesday, without knocking his door while four officers stood outside.

``They just burst into the house without even knocking and said they were looking for someone and asked had I seen him. I told them I didn't know who it was and could they leave. They asked me some more questions and I still couldn't help him. None of my rooms are occupied at the moment and I told them there was no one here. This still didn't help and I tried to get them out the door telling them they've got the wrong house. That's when it turned nasty.''

Nick McKeown said the two PSNI officers started to swear at him and told him he would be arrested. When he closed the door, the PSNI officers kicked the door and one of the officers.

``Then they tried to get back in again saying that they had left a passport in my house. At this stage I knew it was a ruse to get in, so I didn't let them in. I rang my solicitor and told him to speak to them.''

Nick McKeown said afterwards he had searched his house and could not find any passport.

``I have been seriously harassed and intimidated. I am not happy that I am to be charged.

``I was not shown one bit of courtesy. I did not put my hand on them and now I am to be charged with obstructing the peace.

``It's completely unbelievable. These men who paid a visit to my house were nothing but men with serious bully boy attitudes.''

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