Bank robbery charges dropped

The County Down man accused of the £26 million Northern Bank robbery in 2004, has had the charges against him dropped.

Dominic McEvoy, 23, a builder from Mullandra Park in Kilcoo, was not present in Belfast Magistrates Court during the hearing.

Mr McEvoy, along with Northern Bank official Christopher Ward, 25, from Colinmill in Poleglass, Belfast, were jointly accused of carrying out the multi-million pound heist in December 2004. Mr McEvoy had also been charged with falsely imprisoning bank official Kevin McMullan at his home at Loughinisland, Co Down. This charge was also dropped.

Mr McEvoy's solicitor Niall Murphy said welcomed the withdrawal of the charges, however added that it was “long overdue” and added that his client had spent a month in prison before being granted bail.

Charges were also dropped against Martin McAliskey, 40, from Ballybeg Road, Coalisland, Co Tyrone, who was accused of withholding information and attempting to pervert the course of justice.

In respect of the case against Christopher Ward, the prosecution lawyer said preliminary inquiry papers were being prepared. Resident Magistrate Paul Mateer remanded Mr Ward on bail until January 31.

(EF)