A man charged in connection with the abduction of a self-confessed INLA informer, Mr John Bowen, was alleged in court yesterday to be the INLA's commanding officer in the Markets area of Belfast.
The claim was made by a Crown lawyer opposing a bail application by Mr Gerard Anderson (34), from Clyde Court, Belfast. He is one of five men who have been charged with false imprisonment and conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm to Mr Bowen (29), from Clandeboye Drive, Belfast. Mr Bowen is now in RUC protective custody.
Bail was refused by Lord Justice Campbell who said Mr Bowen had gone to the police because he obviously felt himself to be in considerable danger. "Society is looking to a future without terrorism," the judge said, "and in view of the allegations I have heard I do not consider this is a suitable case for bail."