An alleged stalker has been remanded after a court heard he left a female journalist “in a constant state of fear” following a five-month campaign of harassment.

Belfast Magistrates’ Court, pictured, heard Daniel Devlin “developed a fixation” with the journalist, whose identity has been withheld in coverage of his case, claiming she was part of a “serial killer gang” in a series of Twitter posts allegedly aimed at her.

Devlin, 41, has denied charges of stalking, harassment and improper use of a public communications network and was refused bail until a further hearing next month.

The allegations relate to newspaper stories attributed to the woman, according to the Belfast Telegraph.

The court heard that in May this year she informed police about receiving unwanted contact from a Twitter account believed to be linked to Devlin.

A Police Service of Northern Ireland officer told the court: “There was reference to her being part of a ‘serial killer gang’ and calling her a number of obscenities.”

The officer added: “He has shown a somewhat obsessive behaviour towards the injured party, making her feel pestered by the fixation.

“This was a long course of conduct, he (may) know where she works, but she doesn’t know who to look out for and is in constant fear.”

Police arrested Devlin earlier this month and seized a phone and iPad.

He was released on bail but allegedly breached those terms by referring to the journalist again in further online posts.

Devlin’s defence counsel told the court: “She wasn’t referred to directly, he didn’t threaten her.”

Refusing bail, District Judge Steven Keown said: “It’s clear as day that he is not willing or able to leave this woman alone.”