'Fraudster' wanted to raise an army to invade and reclaim United States for Queen Elizabeth II

An alleged fraudster tried to raise an army to invade America and reclaim it for the late Queen Elizabeth II, Belfast High Court has heard.

Ryan Frost, 36, from San Antonio, Texas, was granted bail on charges including forgery, fraud by false representation, and possessing items intended for use in fraud.

The defendant, who is currently seeking asylum in Northern Ireland, was arrested last August after Royal Courts of Justice staff raised concerns about suspected fraud.

Over a two-month period, Mr Frost allegedly submitted multiple fake writs to the court.

Mr Justice McAlinden revealed that the accused had previously appeared before him as a litigant representing himself.

During one such appearance, Mr Frost produced a seal and claimed it granted him jurisdiction over the judge.

A close protection officer present at that hearing became concerned "a situation was unfolding" when the defendant reached into his jacket to retrieve the document.

"It was an interesting experience," the judge remarked.

Mr Frost had filed a writ against an American lawyer, alleging he had been defrauded of money from a family inheritance.

"Mr Frost volunteered the reason why he was entitled to the money and needed the money was to raise an army intended to invade the United States and reclaim the United States for Queen Elizabeth II," Mr Justice McAlinden disclosed.

"This was obviously after Queen Elizabeth had unfortunately died."

The judge noted his surprise upon learning that a psychiatric evaluation had cleared Mr Frost.

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Prosecution counsel Charlene Dempsey explained the defendant cannot be forced to accept mental health treatment as he maintains he does not need such services.

"He presents as intelligent, with no clear evidence of thought disorder or psychosis," she stated.

Mr Frost had previously been released on bail but was returned to custody following allegations that he served a writ on Wikipedia in January.

Defence barrister Michael Boyd described his client's behaviour as naive and noted he had spent months imprisoned "as a literal stranger abroad".

"There is not a gloss I can apply to the bizarre, wacky statements which have been made by Mr Frost," the barrister acknowledged.

In granting bail, Mr Justice McAlinden recognised the defendant's right to pursue his asylum application.

"The behaviour is bizarre (and) administratively chaotic, but he hasn't harmed anyone physically," he observed.

The judge imposed conditions requiring Mr Frost to reside at an address in Newtownabbey, County Antrim, prohibited him from possessing seals or stamps, and barred him from the Royal Courts of Justice.

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