The IRA was behind an armed robbery at a McDonald's restaurant, it was alleged in the High Court in Belfast yesterday. A Crown lawyer said the theft of £3,800 from McDonald's at Sprucefield roundabout, near Lisburn, Co Antrim, last October was a carefully planned operation which bore all the hallmarks of terrorism.
"The police believe it was carried out on behalf of the Provisional IRA," the lawyer added. He was objecting to a bail application by Mr Emmanuel Fryers (38), of Dermott Hill Gardens, Belfast, who denies both the offence and member ship of the IRA.
Bail was refused by Mr Justice Campbell, who said there was a risk of interference with witnesses.