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20/08/2004
Tohill freed as charges dropped
Dissident republican Bobby Tohill walked out of Belfast Magistrates Court a free man today after all the charges against him were dropped.
The 46-year-old from Bombay Street in Belfast claimed that the charges had been brought as he had declined to make a complaint against four men who allegedly kidnapped him earlier this year.
The charges relating to an alleged incident regarding Patrick Ward including threats to kill, possession of a gun or imitation firearm, and intent to cause grievous bodily harm were all dropped. The court heard that in an affidavit, Mr Ward had retracted statements made to police.
Mr Tohill speaking outside the court said that there had been an attempt to "stitch him up" and he was relieved that the truth had come out.
He said that his refusal to co-operate with an Independent Monitoring Commission over the alleged kidnap incident was because there had been no kidnap attempt in February last year.
In a bail application lodged by Mr Tohill's legal representation the incident was described as a "domestic" rather than a terrorist incident.
The trial of the four men accused of the alleged kidnapping attempt last year is due to begin in September.
The incident caused a political storm after PSNI Chief Constable Hugh Orde declared that the IRA had instigated the alleged kidnapping.
(SP)
The 46-year-old from Bombay Street in Belfast claimed that the charges had been brought as he had declined to make a complaint against four men who allegedly kidnapped him earlier this year.
The charges relating to an alleged incident regarding Patrick Ward including threats to kill, possession of a gun or imitation firearm, and intent to cause grievous bodily harm were all dropped. The court heard that in an affidavit, Mr Ward had retracted statements made to police.
Mr Tohill speaking outside the court said that there had been an attempt to "stitch him up" and he was relieved that the truth had come out.
He said that his refusal to co-operate with an Independent Monitoring Commission over the alleged kidnap incident was because there had been no kidnap attempt in February last year.
In a bail application lodged by Mr Tohill's legal representation the incident was described as a "domestic" rather than a terrorist incident.
The trial of the four men accused of the alleged kidnapping attempt last year is due to begin in September.
The incident caused a political storm after PSNI Chief Constable Hugh Orde declared that the IRA had instigated the alleged kidnapping.
(SP)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A dry day with long spells of sunshine for most, however eastern coasts will see rather more in the way of cloud at times, with just the risk of an odd light morning shower. Mainly light northerly winds. Maximum temperature 13 °C.Tonight:A fine end to the day with some evening sunshine. It remains dry overnight with a touch of frost possible in places, although cloud is expected to increase towards dawn. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
