Co Antrim man ‘went to war’ with ex-wife after allegedly stalking – The Irish News

The former manager of a multimillion-pound business and his estranged wife, whom he allegedly stalked, were engaged in a “battle” over financial assets, the High Court heard on Tuesday.

Mark McKinstry is facing investigation over claims he tried to obtain tracking data from his Range Rover.

But when the 54-year-old, from Co Antrim, was granted bail his lawyer objected to the strength of the charge against him.

Paul Bacon said: “What we are seeing is two people effectively going to war over significant assets.”

McKinstry, of Belfast Road in Crumlin, ran a number of successful family-run container rental and recycling businesses until he resigned earlier this year.

He denies the accusation that he stalked his wife over an incident at a car dealership earlier this month.

The court heard he took the Range Rover in for service on November 5.

When she returned three days later to pick up the vehicle, the staff explained that her husband had requested a report from the car’s tracking system.

The defendant was not given the requested information.

He also allegedly disconnected his wife’s CCTV connection and canceled a dog grooming appointment she had attended.

McKinstry insisted he was only looking for data on fuel usage and mileage to claim business VAT on the car he bought.

He denied allegations of dog grooming and a CCTV system, explaining that a change in internet provider could cause the family business’s system to go down.

Stalking charges were brought while the couple was continuing their divorce proceedings.

Defense lawyers insisted McKinstry was prepared to transfer ownership of both the Range Rover and the luxury mobile home in Portrush to his wife to avoid further acrimony.

“One has to think smarter heads will prevail… especially the claim that he canceled the dog walker,” Mr Bacon said.

“That has to be there as far as first-world problems go.”

He emphasized that his client, who ran a successful farming business, knew he had to stay away from his wife.

McKinstry was granted bail after submitting £20,000 cash bail to the court.

His Honor Judge McAlinden told him: “Unfortunately your marriage has broken down…it has also been further complicated by the very significant financial shock to the system.

“You need to stay on the right side of the law, give your wife space, and have no contact with her other than through your attorney.”