Alleged IRA terrorist arrested over Dungiven pub threats refused bail

An alleged IRA terrorist, who is accused of being one of three masked men who visited several pubs in Dungiven in January and issued threats in relation to drug use, was refused bail when he appeared before a local court today.

Michael Conwell, of Lettershendony Avenue in Drumahoe, appeared via videolink before Limavady Magistrates Court, sitting in Coleraine, this morning.

The 30 year-old is accused of belonging to or professing to belong to a proscribed organisation - the 'New IRA'.

He is further charged with possessing a 'firearm' or 'imitation' with intent to cause fear of violence and possession of a 'metal pole' as an offensive weapon.

The charges relate to an incident on January 19 when three men wearing balaclavas, dark clothing and gloves entered five premises in Dungiven - pubs and St Canice's GAA club.

One male was armed with a handgun and the others had metal bars. It is claimed that during the incident the men stated that they were from the New IRA and gave verbal warnings and threats about drug activity in the area.

Conwell has been in custody since his arrest in January.

During today's bail hearing, the court was told that Conwell had put forward two potential bail addresses – his mother's home in Claudy and a second in Letterkenny.

A prosecutor told the court that neither of the two addresses before the court were suitable.

She said the address in Letterkenny is out of the jurisdiction and has been regarded as 'a very bad idea' as police would find it difficult to monitor Conwell.

She added that the property is in a 'dilapidated condition' and has broken windows.

She said the other address – Conwell's mother's home – is not suitable either and is one that the Lady Chief Justice had deemed inappropriate earlier this year due to the fact that police regard Conwell's mother as a witness in the case.

Defence barrister Sean Doherty admitted that while the address in Letterkenny was 'not the most salubrious accommodation' it was available to the accused.

It said he felt that the PSNI and An Garda Síochána could work together in an effort to monitor Conwell.

Referring to concerns raised about the Claudy address and Conwell's mother being a witness in the case, Mr Doherty described her as a 'peripheral witness'.

He said the extent of her statement to police was that the accused drove a car which belonged to her and she had given him permission to do so.

He added that Conwell has had regular contact with his mother over the last four and a half months and this hasn't raised any concern with police to date.

Mr Doherty told Judge Peter King that Conwell's family, including his four children, reside in the North West and that is where his life is.

He said the family had put forward a cash surety of £5,000 and suggested that Conwell could report to police in Derry or Strabane on a daily basis if required.

Mr Doherty added that Conwell does not have a relevant criminal record and he didn't believe there was any risk of re-offending.

District Judge Peter King noted that prosecutors were within four to six weeks of having all evidence in the case ready and while the case was at an advanced stage, it was not complete.

He said he believed the Claudy address was 'a non-starter'.

“Mr Doherty, I don't share your view of a joined up approach between An Garda Síochána and the PSNI and I don't think he should be based outside the jurisdiction. Neither addresses are appropriate, therefore I am refusing bail,” he said.

Conwell was remanded in custody to appear before court again on June 10.