12/03/2007

Republican candidate remanded in custody

An independent Republican candidate has appeared in court over charges related to the attempted murder of a part-time UDR soldier in 1981.

Gerry McGeough, 46, was arrested after leaving the count centre at Omagh leisure centre last Thursday.

He appeared alongside Vincie McAnespie, 44, at Enniskillen Magistrates Court.

Mr McAnespie, the husband of Sinn Fein councillor Brenda McAnespie, was arrested an hour after Mr McGeough and also questioned over “serious terrorist crime”.

Both men have been charged with the attempted murder of the UDR soldier in Ballygawley 26 years ago.

They also face charges of conspiracy to murder and possession of firearms with intent. Mr McAnespie pleaded "not guilty' to all three charges, while Mr McGeough said "no comment".

The victim of the alleged murder bid, Sammy Brush is a Democratic Unionist Party councillor in County Tyrone.

He was at the Omagh count centre when McGeough was arrested.

Both men have been remanded in custody until they appear before the court on April 4.

(JM/SP)

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