Crowd clashes with police outside Cookstown courthouse

There was trouble outside at a County Tyrone courthouse as four men accused of possession of a rocket launcher arrived at court.

Police in riot gear clashed with up to 50 friends and relatives of the accused outside East Tyrone Magistrate's Court in Cookstown as the men arrived and left the courthouse on Wednesday February 20.

One officer and two civilians were injured during the scuffle.

The four men were charged with possession of a grenade launcher and warhead with intent to endanger life and conspiring to murder members of the security forces.

Donald Mullan, 31, of Fairmount Park, Dungannon; Brendan O'Connor, 23, of Cavanoneill Road; Pomeroy, Sean Dillon, 24, of Roughan Way, Coalisland; and Kevin Barry Murphy, 31, of Altowen Park, Coalisland were all remanded in custody until 19 March.

The men denied the charges and were remanded in custody until March 19.

During their appearance, there was applause in court as they were led out.

The four men were arrested after a primed RPG 22 rocket launcher and warhead were found and made safe at the Ardmore Road in Coalisland on Sunday 17 February.

Following the discovery on Sunday Assistant Chief Constable Stephen White said the find had undoubtedly saved lives and represented a significant success against dissident republican terrorists.

He said: "I congratulate my colleagues, who through their courage and good police work, were able to make arrests and most importantly recover the rocket launcher. It was only about 30 yards way from houses, which are occupied. So very close and a significant danger for everyone concerned."

(AMcE)