29/07/2010

Alleged 'Dissidents' Face Gun Charges

Four men and a 16-year-old boy have appeared in Belfast Magistrates Court charged with a number of terrorism and firearms offences.

The court date came after the PSNI's Serious Crime Branch began investigating alleged dissident republican activity and charged the men and the 16-year-old boy after they were detained following the recovery of two guns during a police operation on the Falls Road in west Belfast last Thursday.

On Wednesday, the court heard that helicopter-shot film footage forms part of the case against the accused over an alleged terrorist plot to injure a man in Belfast.

The five suspects were arrested and two guns recovered following the incident on the St James' Road and Belfast Magistrates Court heard yesterday that the youngest suspect, who cannot be identified, was a vulnerable person and as such "an ideal courier" of the weapons.

He is accused of possessing a 9mm handgun, revolver and ammunition in suspicious circumstances, and having a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.

Charges have also been brought against Belfast men Robert O'Neill, 33, of Andersonstown Park East; Anthony Rooney, 47, from Broom Close, Dunmurry; Stephen McAllister, 40, of Moyard Crescent; and 34-year-old Sean O'Reilly whose address was withheld after the court was told a threat has been issued against him.

All four men are accused of conspiracy to wound with intent, attempting to wound with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, having a firearm with criminal intent, and possessing articles for use in terrorism.

(BMcC/KMcA)

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