Former chief executive in Northern Ireland appeals conviction on two charges connected to deletion of email

According to her lawyers, the case is now at an advanced stage before the Court of Appeal.

According to the BBC, the charges related to an email sent by Donaghy to the private email address of then-Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Arlene Foster.

District Judge Alana McSorley told the court that Donaghy had been under mounting political pressure at the time she told her PA to delete the email to Foster.

The BBC said the judge outlined the prosecution's case that there was a perception that Donaghy was too close to the DUP and that she was "keen to dilute that impression by deleting emails".

The judge said the "irrefutable conclusion" was that Donaghy had intended to prevent disclosure of information.

At the conclusion of the hearing, Donaghy was fined £1,500. However, she was cleared of a third charge of trying to have an email deleted.

Donaghy's solicitor at KRW Law, Kevin Winters, confirmed that Donaghy is now appealing against her conviction, and that the case is at an advanced stage before the Court of Appeal.

He said: “We hope the case will be dealt with soon.”

Mid and East Antrim Council has been approached for comment.

Lottie Winson