Former DUP Mayor charged with sexual offences involving a child

A DUP councillor has been charged with sexual offences involving a child.

Thomas Hogg, 31, is set to appear before Belfast Magistrates' Court later this month to face the charges.

He has been charged with sexual communication with a child and attempting to cause or incite children between 13 and 16 to engage in sexual activity.

The DUP said Thomas Hogg has resigned from the party with immediate effect.

A party spokesman said Mr Hogg had been suspended by the party "pending the outcome of a court case'' prior to his resignation.

Mr Hogg served as mayor of Newtownabbey from 2014-15.

He was awarded an MBE in the 2016 Queen's Birthday Honours List for services to local government.