19/05/2003

Two men deny extortion charges

Two men who appeared in court this morning have denied charges of demanding money with menaces.

The two, 37-year-old Thomas Spence of Posnett Court in Belfast and 42-year-old William Alexander Robinson from Killaney Avenue in Lisburn, are also accused of attempting to extort £10,000 from a Chinese businessman in south Belfast.

The court heard that during police interviews the two had denied involvement in the alleged offences, but giving evidence a detective said that, although the men denied involvement with the proscribed paramilitary organisation, it was thought that the money was being raised for the Ulster Volunteer Force.

The detective said that money had been handed over three times.

The men have been remanded in custody to appear before Belfast Magistrates Court on June 16 via video link.

Bail applications are believed to be pending.

(SP)

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