13/12/2012

L'Derry Men Refused Bail Over Rocket

Three men arrested following the discovery of a rocket in County L’Derry have been refused bail.

L’Derry Magistrates Court District Judge Greg McCourt said he refused bail due to the risk of the men re-offending or absconding if released on bail.

Jason Ceulmans, aged 42 from Lecky Road; Damien Harkin, aged 47 from Westland Avenue, and Neil Christopher Hegarty, also 47 appeared for bail application via video-link from Maghaberry Prison.

A police officer has described the device in court as "a viable explosive device".

Police believe the rocket contained a mixture of Semtex and sugar.

The men are also charged with conspiring to murder unknown persons and with possessing a walkie-talkie for use in an act of terrorism. They deny the charges.

Police also found between 20 and 30 metres of command wire during the arrest. Detectives said Harkin and Hegarty were wearing latex gloves and that a bottle of inflammable spirits was found in the car.

All three were remanded in custody until 10 January.

(IT)

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