Two Co Fermanagh men have appeared in court following the discovery of an explosive device which was described as “designed to penetrate armoured vehicles.”
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 County 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 in your possession or under your control certain explosive substances, namely, a radio controlled explosively formed projectile, with intent by means thereof to endanger life or cause serious injury to property and had thm under suspicious circumstances.
A detective inspector told Dungannon Magistrates Court on Friday all charges could be connected, which was charged by lawyers for both accused, who did not acknowledge the court.
Asked if there is anything other than circumstantial evidence of Logan traveling in the car the detective said deleted CCTV footage taken from his home was recovered and showed him leave and cross a short distance to a car where Maguire was in the drover 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.
In terms of Maguire the defence enquired as to the journey and if there is any evidence as to when the device was allegedly placed in the cemetery.
The detective said the Sat Nav from the vehicle used was seized and shows the exact journey.
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.
After hearing the evidence, District Judge Peter Magill said, “I am fully satisfied these charges can be connected.”
There was no application for bail in respect of either accused and Judge Magill remanded them in custody to appear again by video-link at Enniskillen magistrates Court on 29 July.