Four Derry men facing fire-arms and explosives charges were refused bail by the Special Criminal Court in Dublin yesterday. The court heard the four men were caught by gardai in a shed in a remote part of Co Donegal with two AKM assault rifles, a grenade launcher, ammunition and firearms manuals.
Mr Justice Johnson, presiding, said although the four men had given undertakings they would turn up for their trial and not interfere with witnesses, none had ties in the State.
The four are Mr Hugh Wilkinson (41), from Dunmore Gardens, Mr Paul Murray (24), from College Glen, Mr Bernard O'Hagan (35), from Hatmore Park and Mr Patrick Gerard McCartney (45), from Glenowen Park.
They are all charged with possession of two AKM assault rifles and 100 rounds of ammunition with intent to endanger life and unlawful possession of the rifles and ammunition at Malin, Co Donegal, on October 27th, 1996.
They are also charged with having a projected recoilless improvised grenade (PRIG) launcher and a projectile containing Semtex explosives with intent to endanger life on the same date.
The court remanded the four men for trial on July 15th.