A court reporter from the Irish News was subjected to foul-mouthed abuse as she covered the trial of a man accused of assaulting police officers.

Reporter Allison Morris had to be escorted from Belfast magistrates court following the incident last Thursday.

According to the National Union of Journalists, Allison was called a “Fenian bastard” and a “Fenian c**t” by a gang who also threatened to cut her throat.

A protestor also made intimidating gestures towards the journalist and approached her in an “intimidatory manner” during an interval.

The NUJ has strongly condemned what it said were attempts to intimidate journalists covering criminal cases in Northern Ireland courts.

Union president Barry McCall said the treatment of Allison Morris was “completely unacceptable” and “a threat to the principle of open democracy.”

He added: “The media must be free to report on the courts without fear of violence or intimidation. Any attempt to undermine that right is an attempt to undermine the principles which underpin the judicial system.”

Séamus Dooley, NUJ Irish secretary, also expressed strong concern at the behaviour of the protesters.

He said: “The court service must examine this incident. Court reporters must be allowed to do their work without threats.

“On this occasion intimidating gestures were made towards the press box during the court case, a journalist was abused and eventually had to be escorted out of the building by security staff.

“Without the security staff the situation could have been much worse. It was a terrifying experience and one no court reporter should have to ensure.”