An former DUP councillor used a term of sectarian abuse against a council employee he is accused of indecently assaulting, it was alleged in court today.
The worker told a court in Belfast that Roger Hutchinson had branded the woman a die-hard republican and insulted her Catholicism and added that the matter had been raised with the party leader Ian Paisley.
Mr Hutchinson is denying an indecent assault charge based on the witness's evidence after she alleged he fondled her as part of a campaign of religious and sexual harassment.
"I was branded a die-hard republican and a little Fenian," she said.
The alleged victim claimed Mr Hutchinson (54) made the comment at a meeting prior to the alleged indecent assault in March 2003 at the Newtownabbey council offices.
She said she was told of the remark by another DUP councillor, Paul Girvan, who allegedly said the comments were made at a meeting of elected representatives.
"There was a (later) meeting between Dr Paisley, Alderman Hutchinson and Alderman Girvan at Stormont," she added. She said the sectarian slur had been discussed then.
Mr Hutchinson left his post as councillor and Assembly member in 2003. He denies the alleged abuse. This is the third day of the trial before a jury.