A man and woman allegedly had sex inside a Belfast church in front of shocked onlookers, a court has been told.

Sean Paul Russell, 36, and Kirsty McMaster, 31, were arrested at St Mary’s Church on Chapel Lane in the city centre on Saturday afternoon.

A judge was told they shouted obscenities at police officers called to the scene, with Ms McMaster saying: “It’s just sex.”

Mr Russell, of Saul Street in Downpatrick, and Ms McMaster, of no fixed abode, are jointly charged with committing an act outraging public decency.

They both also face a second count of disorderly behaviour in connection with the incident.

Belfast Magistrates’ Court heard police were alerted by several members of the public attending the church.

“A male and female were engaging in sexual intercourse in a room in the church which was visible to people outside,” a PSNI constable said.

She said the pair launched a foul-mouthed tirade when they were subsequently challenged about their behaviour.

'Extremely drunk'

During interviews following their arrest Ms McMaster said she had been extremely drunk.

She thought any sexual activity had taken place on the street outside the church, according to her statement.

But the constable insisted: “This is a very concerning case where no respect was shown for anybody else [in the area].”

A barrister representing Mr Russell said he was apologetic for what happened.

“It’s obviously a very unpleasant incident, and there are morality issues about the venue,” he said.

The barrister added that his client suffers from bipolar disorder and had travelled to Belfast to attend a hospital appointment.

Mr Russell was refused bail and was remanded in custody until June.

Granting Ms McMaster’s application for release, a judge banned her from drinking in public and imposed a prohibition on entering Chapel Lane.

Adjourning the case until 17 June, the judge said: “It’s an extremely worrying incident, the circumstances are very concerning.”