County Derry man held over New IRA threats refused bail due to a 'significant and grave risk of reoffending'

A County Derry man held over New IRA threats has been refused bail due to a 'significant and grave risk of reoffending'.

Dermot Burke, of Drum Road in Dungiven, appeared via videolink before Coleraine Magistrates Court this morning to apply for bail.

The 59 year-old is accused of belonging to or professing to belong to an organisation, namely the IRA, possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and possession of an offensive weapon, namely an iron bar, in a public place.

The alleged offences are connected to an incident which happened in Dungiven on January 19 during which three masked individuals entered numerous bars and a GAA club in the town claiming they were from the New IRA and gave verbal warnings and threats about drug activity in the area.

Burke has been in custody since his arrest four months ago.

Renewing an application to have the accused released on bail, defence solicitor Paddy McGurk stated that a highly respected businessman has provided an address in Toomebridge where Burke can stay.

Describing Burke as a 'hardworking individual', Mr McGurk said that his client is the type of person who gets up at 6am in the morning and works to 8 or 9pm at night.

“He is a master of so many trades and everyone relies on him, he is very valued in the community,” Mr McGurk said.

Referring to a report from an educational psychologist, Mr McGurk alluded to a number of 'vulnerabilities' that Burke has.

He stated that two 'highly respected' people from the Dungiven community had provided character references on Burke's behalf and two cash sureties of £10,000, or more if required, were available.

“People who know him value his character and his work so highly that they feel they can put their trust in him,” added Mr McGurk, who suggested that the court could allay any fears it has of reoffending by imposing tagging, a curfew, daily reporting and confiscating Burke's passport.

A prosecutor told the court that while the address in Toomebridge may reduce the risk of interference with witnesses 'very slightly', the main issue is the risk of reoffending.

She referred to a 'shrine' which was found in the loft of Burke's home and which contained police photographs relating to previous offences stuck to the wall along with newspaper clippings which included headlines such as 'Republican group threatens action'.

The prosecutor said placards stating 'drug dealers not welcome in our community' and photographs of individuals standing over graves with tricolours were also found in Burke's home.

The prosecutor said that if Burke was involved in the offending and there are concerns that he has been taken advantage of, then police would be highly concerned that he will reoffend.

The court was told that there are some technical reports outstanding in the case however there are no delays at this stage.

The prosecutor stated that should any delays in the case arise, this could be considered in any future bail applications.

District Judge Peter King said he was quite happy to align himself with the police view, adding that there is a 'significant and grave risk of reoffending' making Burke an unsuitable candidate for bail.

Bail was refused and the case was adjourned until June 10.