Rocket trio accused refused bail

It was revealed to Derry Magistrate’s Court yesterday that the explosively formed projectile was allegedly in a “state of readiness”.

Damien Harkin, 47, of Westland Avenue, Neil Christopher Hegarty, 47, of Sackville Court and 42-year-old Jason Lee Ceulemans, of Lecky Road, are accused of possessing the explosive device on December 6. They are further charged with conspiracy to murder and possession of a walkie talkie for use in terrorism.

All three men deny the charges against them.

A bail application on behalf of the men was adjourned on Monday because the defence wanted intelligence served on them.

However, as the trio appeared in court via videolink it was revealed the police were no longer relying on intelligence to object to bail.

It was objected to on the grounds the men may re-offend or not turn up for trial.

During the hearing, the judge was shown photographs of the device which police say they recovered from the car.

It is alleged police also found between 20 and 30 metres of command wire, which was not attached to the device, a bag of sugar and a bottle of white spirits.

The court heard claims that the device was capable of piercing an armoured vehicle and contained 200 grams of Semtex explosives.

It is further alleged the device had a starter unit which was marked “very clearly” with the letters A and F, which police believe stands for arm and fire.

Refusing bail, District Judge Greg McCourt said given the police detection of these men and “the situation in this country where bombings and shootings are carried out by certain people it is in the public interest these men are remanded in custody”.

The judge refused bail on the grounds they would not turn up for trial or they may commit further offences.

The three accused were remanded to appear in court again via videolink next month.