Man found guilty of assaulting MP

Sammy Wilson was assaulted after leaving a restaurant

A man has been found guilty of assaulting the DUP East Antrim MP Sammy Wilson in Belfast.

The politician was pushed up against a car after leaving a restaurant in the Botanic area in July 2004.

Seamus O'Kane, 39 and from Cromwell Road in Belfast, will be sentenced at Belfast Magistrates Court next month.

Magistrate Ken Nixon said because of aggravating factors there was a possibility that O'Kane, who has no criminal record, could go to prison.

These included the defendant's "patent lying throughout the proceedings" and the "element of hatred involved", Mr Nixon said.

Mr Wilson had told the court that O'Kane shouted into his face: "This is a Catholic area. Get out of here."

He said O'Kane tried to kick him but missed and then pushed him up against a car and tried to hit him with the lead of his dog.

O'Kane had claimed he was out for a walk with his son and dog when Mr Wilson walked through the lead sending the dog "into the air".

The defendant had denied assaulting Mr Wilson or using any words that were political or sectarian.