One of two Fermanagh men accused of having an explosive device designed to penetrate armoured vehicles has been refused bail.
Emmet Maguire (43) from Station Road and Rory Martin Logan (42) from Ross Close, both in Enniskillen are jointly charged with preparing for acts of terrorism by travelling to Cullies Cemetery in Co Cavan on 8 June, where they collected a radio controlled explosively formed projectile which they transported to Dromad, Co Louth.
It is further alleged they unlawfully and maliciously had possession or control of explosive substances, namely, a radio controlled explosively formed projectile, with intent to endanger life or cause serious injury.
A detective inspector previously explained Logan deleted CCTV footage taken from his home which when recovered showed him leave and cross a short distance to a car where Maguire was in the driver seat.
Later he was identified in the car when it stopped in a Clogher service station and police are confident the CCTV there shows him in the passenger seat.
The detective said the vehicle’s Sat Nav showed the exact journey, and “the data goes back to 2022 yet this is the first time this journey was made when they travelled to the deposition site.
“When in that area they began to take anti-surveillance movements, driving past the cemetery four times then enter and leave several times before allegedly picking up the device. It was then taken to a nightclub near the Carrickdale Hotel.”
He added: “When recovered, the device was cleanly wrapped indicating recent placement. It’s a 300gms high explosive device with a copper dome and military grade. The only thing it is designed for is to penetrate armoured vehicles.”
The court also heard there was communication between Maguire and Logan but both mobile phones were left switched on in Enniskillen during the journey, but never used until they returned.
He advised that while the majority of offending allegedly occurred in the Republic the Public Prosecution Service have confirmed it is appropriate to have the case heard in Northern Ireland.
Neither accused applied for bail at the time but on Tuesday lawyers for Maguire mounted an application at Dungannon Magistrates Court for his release.
However police opposed bail saying the case “is related to an operation by the PSNI Terrorism Investigation Unit into New IRA activities in the Enniskillen area following searches in conjunction with An Garda Síochána”.
The defence however argued bail could be granted saying a refusal would “drive a coach and horses through the presumption of innocence.”
District Judge Peter Magill refused bail saying: “It’s a very serious matter and I feel the risks are too great.”
Bail was refused and both Maguire and Rogan will appear again by video-link on 8 October.