A former Democratic Unionist mayor is to face disciplinary action by the party after admitting six charges of electoral fraud.
Coleraine councillor Dessie Stewart admitted his guilt at Antrim Crown Court today after originally denying the charges relating to last year's Westminster and Local Government elections.
The elections were held on the same day in May last year.
Cllr Stewart admitted four counts of pretending to be someone else in order to cast postal votes and two of fraudulently stopping free exercise of a proxy vote.
In a statement tonight, the DUP confirmed the councillor would face a disciplinary panel.
"This matter has been referred by the Party Officers to the Party's disciplinary tribunal," the party said.
"The tribunal will now examine the issues surrounding Councillor Dessie Stewart's case.
"The party takes a very serious and dim view of any suggestions of electoral fraud and malpractice."
