A BROTHER of Barbara McAlorum, the schoolgirl killed in an INLA feud shooting in Belfast, was accused in court yesterday of attempting to murder two men in an attack linked to the split in the organisation.
Mr Kevin McAlorum (23), Ashfield Gardens, Belfast, was charged with the attempted murder of Mr Thomas Torney and Mr Paul Carson, who escaped injury when a gunman fired at them on the Falls Road, Belfast, March 21st.
An RUC detective told the magistrates' court that Mr McAlorum made no reply when he was charged yesterday morning. "I believe I can connect him with the charges", the detective added.
Cross examined by the defence solicitor, Mr Philip Breen, as to the nature of the evidence, the detective said that Mr McAlorum was identified and named by one of his intended victims and was picked out by the other at an identity parade.
The detective was asked by Mr Breen: "Are you aware that an identification parade had to be aborted because of the suspect's picture being published on the front page of a local newspaper?"
The officer said he was not aware of the publication of the photograph but confirmed that an identity parade was aborted and that at a second one, Mr McAlorum was chosen from among 20 persons.
Mr McAlorum's court appearance yesterday followed a remand into RUC custody for further questioning following a special court in Lurgan, Co Armagh, last Sunday.
Mr McAlorum and Mr Patrick McCleery (32), a process worker, from Conor Park, Lurgan, were then accused of possessing a pistol and ammunition with intent to endanger life.
Yesterday both accused men were remanded in custody to appear at Lisburn court on April 24th.
Also remanded in custody to appear on the same date was Mr Charles Kevin Begley (25), from Dunville Street, Belfast, who is charged with the murder of Mr Gino Gallagher in a Falls Road social security office last January.