03/05/2013

Pair To Stand Trial Over Ardoyne Shots

A judge has ruled that two men from Belfast are to stand trial in connection with a suspected gun attack on police.

The allegations relate to shots fired during a riot last July.

Rioting erupted after a contentious Twelfth of July Orange order parade took place through Ardoyne last year.

The accused are 58-year-old Michael Gorman, of Estoril Court, and 48-year-old Thomas McWilliams, from Northwick Drive and both are charged with having a semi-automatic rifle with intent to endanger life or damage property.

They are also charged with possession of the weapon in suspicious circumstances.

Mr Gorman also faces a further count of assisting an offender by facilitating concealment of the weapon.

On Thursday, a prosecution lawyer argued that both men had a case to answer and should be sent for trial. The District Judge granted the application and returned the two men to Belfast Crown Court.

McWilliams is to remain in custody until the trial begins, while Gorman was released on continuing bail. He has surrendered all travel documents as part of his release conditions.

(JP/CD)

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