A former Sinn Féin councillor appeared in court today charged with murdering a Northern Ireland policeman.
Brendan McConville (37) denies the murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life following the shooting dead of PC Stephen Carroll earlier this month.
Another man was charged tonight with withholding information about the murder of PC Carroll. The man (21) will appear at Lisburn Magistrates’ Court tomorrow morning.
The dissident republican Continuity IRA claimed responsibility following the death in Craigavon, Co Armagh.
There was a heavy security presence at Lisburn Magistrates’ Court for the appearance of Mr McConville, with riot police standing guard and security checkpoints in the city.
Mr McConville, who served on Craigavon Borough Council from 1993 to 1997, was charged with possessing an AKM assault rifle and 26 rounds of ammunition but denies shooting Mr Carroll.
There was no application for bail and he was remanded in custody until April 3rd at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court. He has been in custody for 15 days.
It is understood the 21-year-old charged tonight is not one of six suspects held over security force murders in Northern Ireland who were released today after a High Court ruling.