Bail variation refused for 'leading member' of Saoradh youth wing

One of the men charged in connection with the claim of responsibility for the shooting of Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell has been refused permission to vary his bail after a police officer told Derry Magistrate's Court that the defendant was a 'leading member' of the youth wing of Saoradh which he said was 'a front for the New IRA.'

Tiernan McFadden (26) of Carnhill in Derry is charged with one count of possessing a document for use in terrorism namely a claim of responsibility for the shooting on February 26.

The charge relates to the claim of responsibility by the New IRA for the shooting of the PSNI Chief Inspector in Omagh which appeared on a piece of paper stuck on a wall in Creggan.

During a bail variation defence counsel Stephen Mooney said that his client was seeking an extension of his curfew to allow him time to see his family and attend the gym.

District Judge Barney McElholm read from a document prepared by the PSNI stating that the accused were trying to get around bail conditions because Junior McDaid House had moved premises.

However, Mr Mooney said there were no conditions about Junior McDaid House in McFadden's bail.

The police officer opposed the variation and said McFadden was a member of Eistigi, the youth wing of Saoradh the dissident republican group.

He said the defendant had 'a leading role on 'an all-Ireland basis' in this movement organising meetings and events.

He said police believed he wanted the extension of his curfew to allow him to engage in that activity.

The officer said that this group recruited young people to get involved in 'community activities' and then they could be recruited into the New IRA.

He also said that police believed McFadden had been the main person involved in the claim of responsibility as he stuck it to the wall.

In response to Mr Mooney the police officer said he did not know who actually prepared the document the judge had referred to.

District Judge Barney McElholm said that McFadden's partner had recently had a baby and he should be spending time with her and the child rather than going to the gym.

He said that the defendant could see his family and attend the gym at the weekend and refused the application.