Charge against Derry man linked with shooting of PSNI detective claim dropped

One of the men charged in connection with the claim of responsibility for the shooting of Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell in Omagh in February last year has had the charge against him withdrawn.

William Martin McDonnell (36) of Balbane Pass had faced one charge of possessing a document for use in terrorism namely a claim of responsibility for the shooting of the PSNI officer.

At today's sitting of Derry Magistrate's Court a prosecutor told the court that the charge against McDonnell was being withdrawn and no explanation was given.

Two other men facing similar charges Caolan Robert Brogan (23) of Bluebell Hill Gardens and Tiernan McFadden (25) of Carnhill both in Derry will face a preliminary enquiry (PE) on May 8 to determine if they will be sent for trial.

The court was told that it was anticipated that another defendant would be added to the indictment.

Defence counsel Stephen Mooney asked that if there was to be another person charged it could be done before the PE date so as not to hold up progress.

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.