The poster which appeared in Newry and Armagh last month

An alleged racist has appeared in court accused of involvement in placing anti-Islam posters.

Standing in the dock of Armagh Magistrates Court, 47-year-old David Muldrew confirmed he understood the single charge against him.

Muldrew, from Ballynahone Crescent in Armagh, is accused of displaying written material on 21 June this year "which was threatening, abusive or insulting, intending thereby to stir up hatred or arouse fear or, having regard to all the circumstances hatred was likely to be stirred up or fear was likely to be aroused."

Another man, 38-year-old Barry Patrick Toner, from Pinebank Gardens in Coalisland, was due to appear alongside Muldrew but the court heard he has been admitted to a drug addiction treatment programme so has not attended court.

Giving evidence, a female police officer said she believed she could connect the accused to the charges.

The charge arises after a report of the display of anti-Muslim materials in both Armagh and Newry on June 21.

Deputy District Judge Liam McStay freed Muldrew and ordered him to come back to court on 22 August.