THE alleged organiser of a plot to carry out a cash in transit heist in west Belfast has failed in a new bid to be released from custody.
Jason McMillan (30) was refused bail amid claims he directed the foiled plan to rob a security van at a busy shopping centre.
He was among three men arrested earlier this year in a police surveillance operation.
Two co-accused were detained when officers intervened outside shops in the Northumberland Street area on March 6.
The pair were in a car from which a loaded gun was recovered, prosecutors said.
Detectives suspect they were targeting a G4S van as it made a cash delivery to nearby retailers.
McMillan, of Duncairn Parade in the city, was arrested at a separate location and faces a single charge of conspiracy to rob.
At Belfast Magistrates Court a Crown lawyer claimed he could be linked by "mass" telephone contact with his co-accused in the lead-up to their detention.
"His was a directorial role, he organised this incident," she alleged.
Co-defendants Michael McMillan (27) of Carlisle Road in Belfast, and Stephen Allen (23) from Glenville Park in Newtownabbey, were held at the scene.
"The prosecution case is they were operating under (Jason McMillan's) control," counsel submitted.
Deputy District Judge Anne Marshall was told police had him under surveillance during a high level of phone communication.
"This was a sophisticated, organised crime; it was well-planned and a live firearm was found in the vehicle," the prosecutor added.
"Police were able to thwart a robbery being carried out."
Defence solicitor Ciaran Toner argued that Jason McMillan faces a circumstantial case based only on his mobile phone use.
"He was arrested 35 minutes later, six or seven miles away in another part of Belfast," Mr Toner stressed.
"He is not connected to the robbery in any way, other than a series of phone calls to two cousins who he contacts on a daily basis."
But despite raising issues over potential delay in the case, Judge Marshall held that good progress was being made.
She ruled: "I'm not satisfied this man is a candidate for bail."