TWO teenage boys have appeared at Derry Magistrates’ Court charged in connection with disturbances in the Galliagh area of the city.

The BBC reports that a 14-year-old boy is charged with a number of offences including riotous behaviour and throwing a petrol bomb.

A 15-year-old boy is charged with attempted criminal damage and riotous behaviour. They are are alleged to have committed the offences on 5 August.

Both schoolboys, who can’t be named because of their age, were released on bail to appear again in court on Friday, August 21.

The 14-year-old is also charged with attempting to damage a police vehicle, while the 15-year-old is charged with attempting to damage police vehicles.

The court was also told about £27,000 of damage had been caused to a police vehicle during the disturbances.

A police officer said that shortly after midnight on Wednesday, August 5, police were dealing with a crowd of about 10 or more who were throwing stones, masonry and petrol bombs at police.

A large crowd of about 100 people were watching the rioting, the court heard.

Police opposed bail for both boys but they were both released on bail of £500.

As part of bail conditions the 14-year-old must reside in Co Donegal and only enter the city of Derry for court appearances.

The 15-year-old was released on the condition he does not go within 500 metres of any police operation.

John

A 27 year old man has been charged with communicating false information causing a bomb hoax.

He is due to appear at Derry Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 2nd September.

As is normal procedure, all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.

It is understood the charge is in relation to an incident which occurred in the Derry area today, Friday, August 7.

John

Man to face Derry courthouse over stabbing incident

He is due to appear at Derry Magistrates’ Court via videolink on Monday, August 17, for a first remand hearing.

As is normal procedure, all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service

The charges are in relation to a stabbing incident which occurred at the harbour end of the West Strand Beach area of Portrush on Saturday, August 15.

One man was treated for injuries to his arm that are not believed to be life threatening.

A 20 year old woman also arrested in relation to the incident has been released on police bail pending further enquiries.

John

Detectives have charged two men in relation to an assault in the Duddy’s Court area of Derry.

A 21 year old man was charged with grievous bodily harm with intent and using disorderly behaviour.

A 22 year old man was charged with grievous bodily harm with intent, using disorderly behaviour and possession of a class A controlled drug.

They are due to appear before Derry Magistrates’ Court this morning, Monday, August 17, for a first remand hearing.

As is usual procedure the charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.

John

Face coverings to be mandatory in Derry courthouse

But they will be mandatory within public spaces in courts or tribunal service buildings.

The guidance has been issued by the Department of Justice today.

It said their use in public spaces in their buildings was mandated as those were the areas people were most likely to meet people they would not meet ordinarily.

Courtrooms have already been set up for social distancing with capacity reduced.

Judges may ask those in the courtoom to remove facial coverings for identification purposes, if they are presenting evidence or if someone who relies on lip reading or facial expressions needs to see that person.

Courts are currently operating remotely but it is expected jury trials may restart in the forthcoming weeks after five months in lockdown.

John

TWO men were refused bail at Derry Magistrates’ Court today over an attack on their friend who had suffered a broken nose and a severed ear/.

Facing the court for a first remand hearing were Marc William Elliot, 22, of Duddys Court who was charged with grievous bodily harm with intent, possession of a class A controlled drug, namely amphetamines, and assaulting a police officer on Saturday, August 15.

Also in the dock was Tiernan Martin, 21, of O’Casey Court who was charged with grievous bodily harm with intent on August 15 and using disorderly behaviour at Causeway Hospital on Sunday, August 16.

The court heard that two co-accused, who are friends with the alleged injured party, arranged to have a drink together in a flat where all three ‘drank heavily’.

A resident is said to have reported seeing the victim covered in blood and two males running away from the scene with the defendants matching the description.

Reading the prosecution facts, District Judge Ted Magill said Elliot was located in a nearby alleyway where he ‘bit’ the arresting officer.

He went on to say that Martin was caught by police as he attempted to climb over a metal fence.

Police say blood was found on the defendants’ clothing.

The victim was said to have suffered a broken nose and a severed ear which required surgery.

During police interview Elliot made no comment.

Police objected to bail due to a likelihood of further offending and interference with witnesses.

A defence barrister for Elliott said the alleged victim is someone who suffers from seizures and black outs – a point that police had confirmed.

He added that he was ‘somewhat disappointed’ the police decided the case was ‘charge ready’ as it was suggested the clothing should be checked for blood and drugs submitted for testing.

Drugs found on Elliot were prescription medication, said the defence barrister.

A police officer told the court that 31 white tablets were found loose, not inside packaging.

He also said that the blackouts police referred to were in relation to alcohol.

The defence barrister then said that his client recently spent a lengthy period of time in custody.

Elliot’s family are supportive and are worried about him becoming institutionalised.

Requesting bail, he said Elliot has a limited criminal record and could be managed with a strict bail regime.

Defence counsel Eoghan Devlin for Martin confirmed with a police officer that the injured party was not in a position to explain his injuries as he has ‘no recollection’.

He added that clothing would have to be examined and disputed that there was a risk of his client interfering with witnesses.

The 21-year-old has 40 previous convictions including burglaries, assaulting police, common assault, criminal damage and one serious assault.

Mr Devlin said Martin has no history of committing violent offences while on bail and contended that the case is a year away from committal hearings.

Judge Peter Magill described the offences as ‘extremely serious’ which were allegedly committed while on bail.

Both men were denied bail and remanded into custody.

Their case will be heard again on Monday, September 14.

John

DETECTIVES from the PSNI’s Terrorist Investigation Unit have been granted an extra three days to question suspects arrested in Derry this week over the activities of the New IRA.

Nine suspects – seven men and two women aged between 26 and 50,- were arrested on Tuesday morning during co-ordinated dawn raids in Derry city, east Tyrone and Belfast.

it has been described as one of the largest police operations against republican terrorists in recent years.

Officers from the Garda’s Special Detective Unit carried out searches in Dublin, Laois, Offaly and Kerry as part of the planned cross-border raids.

Codenamed ‘Operation Arbacia’, MI5 were tasked by the Terrorist Investigation Unit to target the nine suspects as part of a lengthy covert surveillance operation into the activities of the New IRA which included shootings, bombIngs, conspiracy to murder and directing terrorist activities across the North West and North of Ireland.

On Wednesday, detectives went before a Crown Court judge on Wednesday to seek a 72 extension to the custody of the nine suspects.

That extension was granted after a senior detective put forward the police case to have the suspects time in custody extended.

All nine suspects can now be held at the serious crime suite at Musgrave police station in Belfast until 5 am on Sunday, August 23 before they are either released unconditionally or charged to court under the Terrorism Act.

The New IRA was responsible for the murder of journalist Lyra McKee in Derry on Thursday, April 18, 2019.

One dissident republican suspect has been charged with her murder.

Crime Operations Assistant Chief Constable Barbara Gray said: “Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Terrorism Investigation Unit have been granted further extensions by the Court to question nine people who were arrested across Northern Ireland on Tuesday under the Terrorism Act in connection with an ongoing investigation into the activities of the New IRA.

Talented journalist Lyra McKee shot dead in Derry on Thursday, April 18, 2019

“They will remain in Musgrave Serious Crime Suite where they will continue to be questioned on suspicion of a wide range of terrorist activity.”

John

Belfast Crown Court

Twelve jurors were sworn in for a trial at Belfast Crown court on Wednesday with socially distanced measures in place.

This included a bible for each member of the jury panel and their own bottle of sanitiser.

There was also no requirement for jurors to wear masks if they did not feel comfortable wearing them.

Said the Foyle MLA: “Jury trials are at the foundation of how our criminal justice system operates and I greatly welcome that the first jury trial since March got underway in Laganside Court in Belfast on Wednesday with five more Crown Court venues to follow in the coming weeks.

“Over the last five months a backlog of cases has built up whilst the pandemic made it unsafe to hold jury trials.

“It is now the responsibility of the Justice Minister in conjunction with the Courts and Tribunal Service to ensure that this backlog can be dealt with in a timely, safe and just manner.

“This has been a testing time for many victims who are awaiting the outcomes of cases and any backlog will only add to their distress.

“The virus is continuing to spread within communities across the North.

“I urge the Court Service and the wider public to take all necessary precautions to allow these positive steps to continue.”

The new crown court term starts on Monday, September 7.

John

A young woman who went to Co Donegal to see the night’s stars has ended up in court on a drugs rap.

Michelle Breslin visited the shorefront in Buncrana with a friend on August 11th last.

The mother of two had traveled from neighbouring Derry to see a meteorite shower that evening, her solicitor Mr Patsy Gallagher told Letterkenny District Court.

However, passing Gardai noticed a strong smell of cannabis coming from Ms Breslin’s car which was parked beside the public toilets.

They searched the woman and Ms Breslin had a bag of cannabis herb worth €20.

Mr Gallagher said his client, a 30-year-old chef from Derrymore in Derry, suffered from arthritis and was taking the cannabis for her condition.

She has no previous convictions and was fully co-operative, he added.

He said: “She was out from Derry to watch a meteor shower and admitted she should not have had this cannabis on her.

“She suffers from arthritis and this is why she was taking it.

“She is doing the best she can.”

Judge Deirdre Geraghty ordered Ms Breslin to make a donation of €200 to the LEAF Project in Raphoe.

John

High Court rules Executive Office is acting unlawfully in delaying introduction of Troubles pension

Mr Justice McAlinden was ruling on a legal challenge to the delay brought to the High Court in Belfast.

The victims’ payments were approved by Westminster in January.

They would give regular payments to people seriously injured, but have been long delayed by arguments over the definition of a Troubles victim.

The judge said the Executive Office was deliberately stymieing the commencement of payouts in order to pressurise the government into funding it and, in Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill’s case, getting the eligibility criteria changed.

Ms O’Neill had declined to progress the scheme by refusing to allow the Executive Office – which she runs jointly with DUP First Minister Arlene Foster – to nominate a department to administer the pension payments.

Sinn Féin has said that the criteria for those who are eligible to apply potentially discriminates against some republicans with convictions from the Troubles.

Following Friday’s court ruling, Ms O’Neill said: “As joint head of government I remain committed to delivering a scheme, which is based on equality and open to everyone who was seriously physically and psychologically injured during the conflict.

“In light of the court ruling, therefore, I am left with no alternative other than to designate a department.

“However, that designation will require the Executive to work together to secure the additional funds from Westminster for the cost of the scheme and get further clarity on eligibility and applications.”

John

A 50-year-old man arrested earlier this week in Derry is to appear in court today, charge with directing terrorism.

He was one of nine people arrested on Tuesday as part of a long running PSNI investigation into the activities of the New IRA in the North West and across the North of Ireland.

Code-named Operation Arbacia, the PSNI’s Terrorist Investigation Unit tasked MI5 to carry out targeted covert surveillance on members of the New IRA.

Crime Operations Assistant Chief Constable Barbara Gray said: “Detectives from the PSNI’s Terrorist IInvestigation Unit have charged two men this evening with a wide range of offences under the Terrorism Act as part of Operation Arbacia, an ongoing investigation into the activities of the New IRA.

“A 50 year old man from Derry has been charged with three offences – membership of a proscribed organisation; directing terrorism; and preparatory acts of terrorism.

“A 26 year old man from Lurgan has been charged with five offences – membership of a proscribed organisation; directing terrorism, preparatory acts of terrorism; conspiracy to possess explosives with intent to endanger life and conspiracy to possess ammunition with intent to endanger life.

“Both men are due to appear at Belfast Magistrates’ Court via video link tomorrow morning.”

As is normal procedure charges will be reviewed by PPS.

Seven other people – five men and two women = remain in police custody.

Journalist Lyra McKee shot dead in Derry in April last year by New IRA terrorists

The New IRA murdered journalist Lyra McKee on Thursday, August 18, 2020 in Derry

She was shot once to the head while observing rioting in Creggan orchestrated by the New IRA.

John

Paddy McDaid faced Belfast Magistrates’ Court via videolink on directing terrorism charges

It is understood MI5 planted microphones and secret video surveillance cameras at premises used by the New IRA to hold meetings over the last six months.

It was part of an operation by the PSNI’s Terrorist Investigation Unit to target senior figures at the top of the ‘New IRA’, codenamed ‘Operation Arbacia.

Appearing at a special sitting of Belfast Magistrates’ Court today, was 50-year-old Patrick McDaid, from Magowan Park in Creggan.

Paddy McDaid was charged with membership of a proscribed organisation, directing terrorism and preparatory acts of terrorism.

A second man, 26-year-old from Shane Reynolds, from Lurgan, appeared at the same video linked hearing charged with membership of a proscribed organisation, directing terrorism and conspiracy to possess explosives and ammunition.

Both were remanded in custody to Maghaberry prison to a later date.

Seven other people – five men and two women – who were arrested with McDaid and Reynolds on Tuesday during raids in Derry, east Tyrone and north Armagh – remain in custody for questioning.

It is claimed the first ‘New IRA’ meeting took place in February this year at a rented building between Cookstown and Omagh.

A second meeting was held last month in Gortin, Co Tyrone, which was also under electronic surveillance.

There are concerns in dissident republican circles that the meetings may been compromised by a member of the New IRA in west Belfast who was working for the security forces.

In a report in today’s Irish News paper, the home of the republican is now empty after its contents were packed into a removal van on Wednesday and that friends and acquaintances have been unable to contact him.

Solicitor Ciaran Shiels, who represents one of the nine arrested, told the newspaper: “An issue that is emerging is the possible activity of a British agent provocateur in connection with the arrangement, facilitation and logistical support for both meetings and entrapment of the individuals said to have attended.”

The newspaper reports that at least one of the meetings, those who attended were addressed by the ‘Chief of Staff’ and the ‘Chairman’ of the New IRA.

John

Derry Saoradh chairman Joe Barr (front centre) to face court on IRA terrorist offences

Derry Saoradh chairman Joe Barr (32) and Gary Hayden (48) have been charged with offences including membership of a proscribed organisation, directing terrorism, and two separate charges of preparatory acts of terrorism.

Barr was kicked out of the USA a number of years ago after he came to the attention of the FBI following a tip off from British intelligence that he was working in New York.

Hayden was convicted last year of taking part in an illegal ‘New IRA’ parade in Derry city.

They were among seven men and two women arrested last Tuesday as part of a covert PSNI/MI5 probe, codenamed ‘Operatioon Arbacia’ into the activities of the New IRA across the North of Ireland.

Also due at Belfast Magistrates’ Court today for a first remanding hearing are two senior female members of Saoradh.

One is 45-year-old Mandy Duffy, a chairperson of Saoradh, and the sister-in-law of leading dissident republican Colin ‘Colly’ Duffy.

Mandy Duffy, who is from Lurgan, is charged with directing terrorism, membership of a proscribe organisation and two counts of preparatory acts of terrorism.

A newly married couple have were also arrested over the bugging operation at rented premises in Co Tyrone between February and July this year.

They are 49-year-old Sharon Jordan (nee Rafferty) and husband Davy Jordan (49), from Dungannon.

She has been charged with membership, directing terrorism and preparatory acts of terrorism.

Davy Jordan, who has a previous conviction for possession of a firearm, is the former chairperson of Saorahd, the political wing of the New IRA.

Sharon Jordan, under her maiden name Rafferty, was convicted in 2014 of helping to set up and run a dissident republican training camp outside Omagh, Co Tyrone.

Convicted terrorist Damien McLaughlin (43), who was acquitted in 2018 of charges linked to the murder of prison officer David Black, will also appear at the court via video link from Musgrave street police station today.

McLaughlin, who is also from the Dungannon area, is charged with a number of offences including membership of a proscribed organisation, directing terrorism and conspiracy to possess explosives with intent to endanger life.

A ninth person, Kevin Barry Murphy faces counts of membership of a proscribed organisation, directing terrorism

It is alleged from the secret recordings that Murphy addressed those attending the bugged meetings as ‘Chief of Staff’ of the IRA.

A tenth person was arrested on Saturday at Heathrow Airport by detectives from the PSNI’s Terrorist Investigation Unit.

The Irish News reports today that the 62-year-old is a Palestinian man. His home in Edinburgh was raided by Police SCotland on Saturday afternoon.

He remains in custody with Kevin Barry Murphy after detectives granted further time to question both suspects under the Terrorism Act 2000.

On Saturday, Paddy McDaid (50), from Magowan Park in Derry’s Creggan, faced the same court on directing terrorism, membership of a proscribed organisation and preparatory acts of terrorism.

Also remanded in custody was Shea Reynolds, 26, of Belvedere Manor, Lurgan who also face the same charges along with conspiracy to posses Semtex explosives and ammunition with intent to endanger life.

Both men were remanded in custody until next month.

John

Derry Saoradh chairman Joe Barr (front centre) remanded in custody today on IRA terrorist offences

Derry Saoradh chairman Joe Barr (32). of Cecilia’s Walk and Gary Hayden (48), of Tyrconnell Street in the city, were formally charged with offences including membership of a proscribed organisation, directing terrorism, and two separate charges of preparatory acts of terrorism.

Barr was kicked out of the USA a number of years ago after he came to the attention of the FBI following a tip off from British intelligence that he was working in New York.

Hayden was convicted last year of taking part in an illegal ‘New IRA’ parade in Derry city.

They were among seven men and two women arrested last Tuesday as part of a covert PSNI/MI5 probe, codenamed ‘Operatioon Arbacia’ into the activities of the New IRA across the North of Ireland.

They appeared at Belfast Magistrates Court this afternoon via video link from the nearby Musrave PSNI station custody suite for the hearing which last an hour.

Also appearing were for first remanding hearing are two senior female members of Saoradh.

One is 45-year-old Amanda McCabe.

The defendant, from Alisbury Gardens, Lurgan, was charged with directing terrorism, membership of a proscribed organisation and two counts of preparatory acts of terrorism.

A newly married couple have were also arrested over the bugging operation at rented premises in Co Tyrone between February and July this year.

They are Sharon Jordan (nee Rafferty) and husband Davy Jordan (49), from Cappagh Road, Dungannon.

The 49-year-old mother was today charged with membership of the IRA, directing terrorism and preparatory acts of terrorism.

Davy Jordan, who has a previous conviction for possession of a firearm, is the former chairperson of Saorahd, the political wing of the New IRA.

Sharon Jordan, under her maiden name Rafferty, was convicted in 2014 of helping to set up and run a dissident republican training camp outside Omagh, Co Tyrone.

Convicted terrorist Damien McLaughlin (44), who was acquitted in 2018 of charges linked to the murder of prison officer David Black, also appeared at the court via video link.

McLaughlin, who is from Kilmascally Road, Dungannon, was charged with a number of offences including membership of a proscribed organisation, directing terrorism and conspiracy to possess explosives and 100 rounds of ammunition with intent to endanger life.

A ninth person, Kevin Barry Murphy, 50, of Altowen Road, Coalisland, was charged with membership of a proscribed organisation, directing terrorism and preparatory acts of terrorism.

It is alleged from the secret recordings that Murphy addressed those attending the bugged meetings as ‘Chief of Staff’ of the IRA.

A senior detective said a total of 500 police officers were involved in the arrest and search operations last week.

He confirmed to the hearing that ‘Operation Arbacia’ was run by the PSNI and that MI5 were tasked by police to gather evidence of two meetings in Co Tyrone in February and July this year by way of audio and video.

An issue of “entrapment” was also raised by a number of defence solicitors.

A tenth person was arrested on Saturday at Heathrow Airport by detectives from the PSNI’s Terrorist Investigation Unit.

The Irish News reported today that the 62-year-old is a Palestinian man.

His home in Edinburgh was raided by Police SCotland on Saturday afternoon.

He remains in custody after detectives granted further time to question him under the Terrorism Act 2000.

On Saturday, Paddy McDaid (50), from Magowan Park in Derry’s Creggan, faced the same court on directing terrorism, membership of a proscribed organisation and preparatory acts of terrorism.

Also remanded in custody was Shea Reynolds, 26, of Belvedere Manor, Lurgan who also face the same charges along with conspiracy to posses Semtex explosives and ammunition with intent to endanger life.

Both men were remanded in custody until next month.

As no bail applications were made today, all six defendants were remanded in custody to the same date on September 18.

John

Palestinian activist Dr Issam Hijjawi on terror rap

The pair are believed to be 49-year-old Davy Jordan from Cappagh Road in Dungannon and 62-year-old Palestinian activist from Scotland Dr Issam Hijjawi.

They were both charged on Monday night.

Jordan is accused of being a member of a proscribed organisation, directing terrorism and preparatory acts of terrorism.

It is alleged that during the secret MI5 recordings Jordan addressed those at the meeting as the ‘Chairman’ of the New IRA.

He was the founding chairman of the New IRA’s political wing, Saoradh.

Dr Issam Hijjawi was detained at Heathrow Airport on Saturday by Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command and the PSNI’s Terrorist Investigation Unit which was in charge over the operation against the New IRA.

It is believed he was due to board a plane to Lebanon.

The doctor is charged with preparatory acts of terrorism.

A property in the Blackhall area of Edinburgh was also searched by officers from Police Scotland after his arrest.

In all, 10 people have now been charged as part of Operation Arbacia, which is targeting the New IRA, considered to be the largest dissident republican group.

They were arrested as part of a major PSNI and MI5 investigation codenamed ‘Operation Arbacia’

On Monday, six people appeared in court charged under the Terrorism Act.

Derry Saoradh chairman Joe Barr (32). of Cecilia’s Walk and Gary Hayden (48), of Tyrconnell Street in the city, were formally charged with offences including membership of a proscribed organisation, directing terrorism, and two separate charges of preparatory acts of terrorism.

Barr was kicked out of the USA a number of years ago after he came to the attention of the FBI following a tip off from British intelligence that he was working in New York.

Hayden was convicted last year of taking part in an illegal ‘New IRA’ parade in Derry city.

They were among seven men and two women arrested last Tuesday as part of a covert PSNI/MI5 probe, codenamed ‘Operatioon Arbacia’ into the activities of the New IRA across the North of Ireland.

They appeared at Belfast Magistrates Court on Monday afternoon via video link from the nearby Musrave PSNI station custody suite for the hearing.

Also appearing for first remanding hearing were two senior female members of Saoradh.

One is 45-year-old Amanda McCabe.

The defendant, from Alisbury Gardens, Lurgan, was charged with directing terrorism, membership of a proscribed organisation and two counts of preparatory acts of terrorism.

A newly married couple were also arrested over the bugging operation at rented premises in Co Tyrone between February and July this year.

They are Sharon Jordan (nee Rafferty) and husband Davy Jordan, from Cappagh Road, Dungannon.

The 49-year-old mother was yesterday charged with membership of the IRA, directing terrorism and preparatory acts of terrorism.

New IRA ‘chairman Davy Jordan on membership rap

Convicted terrorist Damien McLaughlin (44), who was acquitted in 2018 of charges linked to the murder of prison officer David Black, also appeared at the court via video link.

McLaughlin, who is from Kilmascally Road, Dungannon, was charged with a number of offences including membership of a proscribed organisation, directing terrorism and conspiracy to possess explosives and 100 rounds of ammunition with intent to endanger life.

An eighth person, Kevin Barry Murphy, 50, of Altowen Road, Coalisland, was charged with membership of a proscribed organisation, directing terrorism and preparatory acts of terrorism.

It is alleged from the secret recordings that Murphy addressed those attending the bugged meetings as ‘Chief of Staff’ of the IRA.

A senior detective said a total of 500 police officers were involved in the arrest and search operations last week.

He confirmed to the hearing that ‘Operation Arbacia’ was run by the PSNI and that MI5 were tasked by police to gather evidence of two meetings in Co Tyrone in February and July this year by way of audio and video.

An issue of “entrapment” was also raised by a number of defence solicitors.

On Saturday, Derry republican Paddy McDaid and Lurgan suspect Shea Reynolds were in court on membership, directing terrorism and preparatory acts of terrorism.

Reynolds is also accused of conspiracy to to possess Semtex explosives and 100 rounds of ammunition.

The eight men and two women have all been remanded into custody to Maghaberry prison until their next remand hearing on Friday, September 18.

John

POLICE in Derry City and Strabane have praise the public who have helped shop a number of drink drivers.

Between Sunday night and into Monday morning a total of six people for driving under the influence of alcohol.

Three of those have been charged to court while further enquiries are being conducted in relation to the other three motorists.

A police spokesperson said: “These arrests come from the help of the eagle eyed community keeping us informed on what is happening out on our roads.

“So we thank you.”

John

New IRA ‘chairman Davy Jordan on membership rap

Davy Jordan, 49, of Cappagh Road in Dungannon, also allegedly attempted to develop a relationship with a government “hostile to the UK”.

His co-accused, Palestine-born doctor Issam Bassalat, 62, of Telford Road in Edinburgh, was arrested at Heathrow Airport on Saturday.

He is charged with a preparatory act of terrorism.

This charge alleges that Bassalat “attended and addressed a meeting of the Irish Republican Army” in Omagh on 19 July.

Mr Jordan is accused of attending this meeting and another in Sixmilecross on 9 February.

He is further suspected of belonging to a proscribed organisation and two counts of preparatory acts of terrorism.#

it is alleged he addressed a meeting that he was the ‘chairman’ of the New IRA.

Both men appeared in court remotely from Musgrave Police Station.

A detective chief inspector said both video and audio recordings made up part of the prosecution case.

Six other men – two from Derry – and two women are also facing charges in connection with the wider investigation into the New IRA labelled Operation Arbacia.

The PSNI, MI5, Police Scotland, An Garda Siochana and Metropolitan Police have all been involved.

Dr Bassalat’s solicitor, Gavin Booth, said his client was “pestered” to attend meetings in Scotland and Northern Ireland by an MI5 agent and they will be putting forward an entrapment case “at the earliest opportunity”.

Mr Jordan’s lawyer, Peter Corrigan, said the same agent organised an alleged meeting in Edinburgh between the two suspects.

“There’s absolutely no mention during that meeting of recruitment for the IRA, procurement of weapons for the IRA, or assisting the IRA,” he told the hearing.

“Predominantly the conversation was about Covid and other matters.”

The detective chief inspector said the meeting in Edinburgh was one of a number, “culminating in the relationship with foreign governments being progressed”.

Both men were remanded in custody until Friday, September 18 with neither applying for bail .

John

Thomas Friel died after he was struck with a rubber bullet in Derry in 1972

Thomas Friel from Creggan Heights died four days after being struck by a rubber bullet on May 18 1973.

In 2014 a new inquest was ordered into his death.

At yesterday’s hearing the Coroner Joe McCrisken was told that there were still two civilian witnesses that had not been traced.

David Heraghty, representing the Friel family, said that if the identity of those two witnesses could be made public some of the next of kin could possibly help in tracing them.

The hearing also heard that the issue of anonymity and screening for British military witnesses could delay the full inquest going ahead.

Mr Heraghty told the hearing that if those witnesses wanted anonymity and screening the an application should be made to the coroner.

The Coroner said he would assume that all the anonymity applications would be on the same lines as all others in previous hearings.

Mr Heraghty said that may well be but he still had to take instructions from the next if kin and the former soldiers would have to make their case.

He added that if the military witnesses were giving evidence remotely then there would be no need for screening.

The hearing was told that this could delay the setting of a date for the actual inquest as each individual witness would have to be contacted and make a statement in support of their application and in the present climate that would be difficult.

As regards a witness known as Soldier B who is believed to be the one who fired the fatal baton round the Coroner was told he wished to attend the Inquest in person but again the COVID-19 situation could cause difficulties.

Coroner McCrisken said that in any event Soldier B would not be screened from the family of the deceased if he did attend just any general public who may be present.

The Coroner said he was anxious to move the inquest on and had considered a date in November but all the outstanding issues had to be resolved by then.

He added that if the hearing was delayed it could be May or June next year before it could be scheduled.

The hearing was adjourned until Thursday, October 22 this year to see what issues could be resolved.

John

A Co Derry man who used his position as a sales manager for a printing firm to defraud his bosses was handed an 18-month sentence on Thursday.

Sean Patrick O’Neill, from Parkmore Close in Magherafelt, appeared at Belfast Crown Court on Thursday via a videolink.

He has been ordered to surrender himself to custody at Laganside Courts in Belfast at 10am today, Friday, September 11.

The Belfast Telegraph reports that the 31-year old was informed by Judge David McFarland that he will spend the next nine months behind bars, followed by a nine-month period on supervised licence with the Probation Service.

At Thursday’s sentencing, it was revealed that O’Neill’s offending led to a loss of more than £100,000 to the company and a number of staff lost their jobs as a result.

O’Neill admitted three offences – fraud by abuse of position and two counts of fraud by false representation – which he committed over a period from May 2018 to March 2019.

He began his employment with the commercial printers in greater Belfast as a salesman in 2015, before being promoted to sales manager. In this role, O’Neill was responsible for vetting new customers and setting up lines of credit.

Judge McFarland said O’Neill then “entered into an arrangement with another party to create false customers”, and that as part of his offending O’Neill would allocate money paid for genuine services to these false customers, which he then retained.

The Judge said O’Neill’s criminal behaviour emerged when “money was no longer available and the matter came to light,” and that the money he generated by fraud was used to fund his gambling and substance addictions.

With the loss to the printing company amounting to between £122,000 and £154,000, Judge McFarland described O’Neill’s actions as “confidence-sapping offending” and noted the “major financial impact” it had on the small company, which had to lay off staff.

The Judge said he had noted O’Neill’s lack of previous offending, his good work record and the steps he has taken to tackle his addiction issues.

Also noted was the period of offending, the amount involved and the impact it has had on the company.

Imposing a prison sentence, Judge McFarland said: “People have to be aware that if they are put in a position of trust in whatever capacity, and if that trust is breached, that will lead to an immediate custodial sentence.”

Addressing O’Neill on the video link, Judge McFarland ordered him to surrender himself to custody this morning, Friday, September 11.

When asked by the Judge “do you understand that?”, O’Neill replied “yes, Your Honour.”

John

SDLP Social Justice Spokesperson Mark H Durkan has criticised the High Court ruling over women’s pension changes which upholds their decision not reverse the state pension age for those affected.

Mr Durkan said the decision failed to consider the social implications and other varying factors surrounding women’s pay.

Said the Foyle MLA: “The SDLP have previously campaigned for compensation ever since the introduction of this discriminatory change in state pension.

“The High Court decision is hugely disappointing.

“It is entirely unacceptable, not to mention illogical that 9.8m men were facilitated to retire at age 60 over a 24-year period each, with 5 years free National Insurance Contributions, yet 3.8m women were robbed and coerced back to work for up to 6 years.

“This is nothing short of flat out discrimination at the hands of the Westminster government.

“The accelerated hike in the state pension age hasn’t delivered equality – instead only hardship and suffering for thousands of women here who have been denied access to their state pension on time, further exacerbated by Welfare Reform and failure to consider a period of preparation.

“No harder will this impact be felt than places like the North – especially Derry.

“This is a city built on the foundations of our working women; those who put in long hours on poor wages, raised their children and dutifully paid into their pensions all their working lives.

“Those are the women who have unfairly borne the burden of the increase in the state pension age.

“I want to pay tribute to those women, to WASPI and BackTo60 for a hard-fought campaign and tireless efforts in pursuit of pension justice and equality.

“I will continue to support this campaign in any way I can going forward.”

John