DUP MP’s former aide faces chargesof voyeurism

David McConaghie, who was a key assistant to Upper Bann MP David Simpson, was arrested by police in 2012 and released on police bail.

Detectives have been investigating him since then.

Mr Simpson reported to the police the discovery of a camera in the toilet of his Thomas Street office in Portadown. Mr McConaghie left Mr Simpson’s employment in 2012.

Now, almost two years later, the PSNI has charged Mr McConaghie, who was also an ordained minister and a member of the Independent Orange Order.

In a brief statement, the PSNI said: “Detectives in Craigavon have charged a 49-year-old-man with voyeurism to appear before Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, September 24.

“The charges relate to offences in the Thomas Street area of Portadown between January 1, 2012 and September 12, 2012.

“As is normal procedure, the charges will be reviewed by the PPS.”

When contacted by another newspaper, Mr McConaghie’s solicitor, Neil Logan, said: “We will not be making any comment at this stage.”

Mr McConaghie was a highly regarded member of the DUP in Upper Bann and played a role in Mr Simpson’s hugely symbolic unseating of the then First Minister, David Trimble, as the constituency’s MP.

It is understood that he is no longer a member of the DUP.