THE ex-partner of alleged IRA rape victim Mairia Cahill has been accused of breaching a restraining order.

Steven Altimas, 37, was remanded into custody today at Belfast Magistrates Court.

As well as the charge of breaching the order via the internet on Friday, September 9, he is also accused of breaking bail conditions.

Altimas, from Jamaica Court in Belfast, was on bail accused of two counts of harassing Labour Senator Ms Cahill and misusing a communications network to post messages in social media about her on various dates between February 10 and March 9 this year.

The officer also claimed Altimas had posted other messages in Twitter and Facebook despite being ordered to shut down his accounts by the district judge hearing his trial.

Constable Miney said police were objecting to bail as they feared Altimas — who already has convictions for harassment and multiple breaches of court orders including non-molestation orders and bail conditions — would reoffend.

Defence lawyer Niall O’Neill told the court the offences are “entrenchly denied”.

Altimas is due back in court on October 5.