Teen (17) accused in connection with Dungiven 'New IRA' bar threats remanded in custody

A County Derry teenager has appeared before a local court accused of being the third person involved in a 'gun team' which visited five licensed premises in Dungiven in January and issued treats to alleged drug users.

The 17 year-old, who cannot be named due to his age, appeared via videolink before Coleraine Magistrates Court today (Monday).

The court heard that the boy was arrested in the Claudy area on Saturday morning.

When asked if he could hear the court, the accused replied 'yes' before three charges were read to him.

The teenager is charged with professing membership of a proscribed organisation, namely the 'New IRA' and possession of a handgun with intent to cause fear of violence.

He is further accused of having an offensive weapon, a metal pole, in a public place, namely Garvagh Road, Dungiven.

The charges relate to an incident which happened in Dungiven on January 19 when three masked and armed individuals reportedly issued threats at a GAA club and in four other bars in the town.

The teen is the third person to be charged by detectives investigating this report. 

Dermot Burke (58), of Drum Road in Dungiven, and Michael Conwell (30), with an address at Lettershendoney Avenue in Drumahoe, were charged earlier this year with the offences of professing membership of a proscribed organisation, possession of a firearm or imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place. Both men were remanded in custody after appearing in court at the end of January.  

Prosecution barrister Natalie Pinkerton told the court that police were opposed to releasing the teenager on bail due to the 'violent' nature of the offences.

An investigating officer told the court that police have concerns that the accused will interfere with witnesses if released on bail and could also discourage any potential witnesses from coming forward.

He also stated that the weapons and van used by the team have not yet been recovered and that police believe that the teenager could take steps to move or dispose of them.

The investigating officer also expressed a concern of 'risk of flight' should the accused be released.

Stephen Mooney, barrister for the accused, stated that his client has no criminal record, has no previous involvement with police and officers had confirmed that he was not the person allegedly in possession of a handgun or weapon during this incident.  The investigating officer confirmed this.

Mr Mooney said that the bail framework was 'entirely different' due to the accused's age and said that the court could not detain him 'unless it is necessary to protect the public'.  

He said the accused's parents, who were present in court and are 'aghast' at the allegations against their son, were willing to sign a surety.

Revealing that the teenager has Type 1 diabetes, Mr Mooney said his client 'had a very difficult 48 hours in custody' as police had seized his mobile phone, which he uses to manage his blood sugar levels, as soon as he had been arrested.

“I don't believe this young boy is a risk to the public,” Mr Mooney added.

District Judge Peter King said the defendant has 'added protection in respect of his age' and the only reason he could possibly deny bail was if there was 'a need for public protection'.

The judge said he found it 'profoundly and utterly depressing' that he was dealing with a young person four days before Good Friday on these type of charges.

Describing the incident as a 'very crude' attempt at 'community control through the barrel of a weapon', he said it had to be classed as a case where the public needed to be protected.

Judge King said it didn't give him any joy remanding the teenager in custody, adding that he found it 'profoundly depressing'.

The accused was remanded in custody and is due to appear before court alongside his co-accused on April 8.