Ex-DUP mayor Thomas Hogg denies trying to get schoolboy to engage in sex act

Thomas Hogg, 31, also disputes allegations that he tried to incite the youth to take part in a sexual act.

Hogg, of Brae Hill Park in Belfast, was reportedly arrested last month at a music festival in Valley Park, Newtownabbey.

He appeared before Belfast Magistrates’ Court to face charges of sexual communication with a child and attempting to cause or incite a child under 16 to engage in sexual activity.

Dressed in a dark suit and overcoat, Hogg looked straight ahead and showed no emotion as the alleged offences were read out.

A police officer confirmed he could connect him to the charges.

Defence barrister Mark Farrell put no questions to the officer during the brief hearing.

But he told the court: “The charges are strongly denied by the defendant.”

No further details about the alleged circumstances were disclosed.

With the prosecution confirming that a full file is still awaited, District Judge Fiona Bagnall adjourned proceedings to December 9.

She excused Hogg from attending court on that date.

The defendant is a former mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council.

He resigned from the DUP and stood down as a councillor after being charged with the offences.