Down man is charged with being member of Óglaigh na hÉireann

Alleged dissident republican was charged following covert surveilliance at a hotel

An alleged dissident republican paramilitary was charged following covert surveillance at a hotel in the Republic, a court heard yesterday. Paul Philip Crawford appeared before magistrates in Belfast accused of membership of a proscribed organisation, namely Óglaigh na hÉireann.

The 40-year-old, of Carrickree Mews in Warrenpoint, Co Down, was refused bail due to fears he could flee or reoffend. He was arrested as part of an ongoing investigation into dissident republican activity.

A 36-year-old man detained in Newry on Sunday has been released unconditionally, while a 35 year-old remains in police custody.

Crawford is alleged to have belonged to the grouping on dates between January 2014 and October 17th this year. He was remanded in custody to appear again by video-link on November 16th.