A prominent republican accused of murdering two British soldiers outside an Antrim army base was refused High Court bail today.
Colin Duffy (41), of Forest Glade, Lurgan, Co Armagh, is charged with the murders of sappers Mark Quinsey (23), and Patrick Azimkar (21), who were shot dead by dissident republicans at the gates of Massereene army barracks in Antrim in March.
He is also accused of five counts of attempted murders and possession of firearms with intent in connection with the Real IRA ambush of soldiers collecting food from pizza delivery men.
Prosecutors claim soil found on a boot belonging to him is similar to a sample in the getaway car used by the killers.
It has also been alleged that the chances of a DNA profile on a latex glove particle recovered from the floor of the vehicle belonging to anyone else other than Mr Duffy were less than one in one billion.
Mr Justice Weatherup ruled that Mr Duffy should remain in custody due to the gravity of the offences and the continued threat posed by the dissident faction held responsible.
Despite stressing the presumption of innocence, the judge held that the balance fell in favour of protecting the public.
“It is a very serious matter which resulted in the loss of two lives and there is a group, this Real IRA, which appears intent on repeating this loss of life being inflicted on others,” he said.
“If people are committed to a terrorist group of any character and are prepared to involve themselves in offences such as these then it certainly is a very plausible prospect that they will continue to do so.”