Jim Dowson has bail conditions changed so he can use a computer for legal research

A JUDGE has expressed concerns at the length of time it was taking police to complete files in the case of Union flag protestor Jim Dowson.

At a hearing in June, a court was told the files would be ready in a week.

But on Tuesday in Belfast Magistrates Court prosecution lawyers told District Judge Liam McNally that they still hadn’t been completed.

After raising the concerns, the judge adjourned the case for six days until Monday, July 28.

During the hearing Union flags protest leader Jamie Bryson appeared as a legal adviser for Mr Dowson.

The Scots-born former BNP fundraiser, 48, of Burn Road in Comber, was representing himself at a remand hearing.

But he indicated that Jamie Bryson was acting as an adviser, which is known in legal circles as a McKenzie friend.

Bryson sat in the public gallery and was allowed to take notes.

Jamie Bryson is now acting as a legal adviser to Jim Dowson

Both men are awaiting trial on a number of charges arising out of the flags protest including taking part in an un-notified procession and encouraging or assisting offences.

A number of Dowson’s bail conditions were changed on Tuesday.

He has been allowed to have a computer for legal research and a mobile phone so long as it doesn’t have an internet connection.