Police link loyalist to hoax phone call

A prominent Belfast loyalist, Mr Gary Smith, was under police surveillance when he allegedly made a call claiming there was a…

A prominent Belfast loyalist, Mr Gary Smith, was under police surveillance when he allegedly made a call claiming there was a bomb in a Catholic school at Ardoyne last month, a court heard yesterday.

Mr Smith (37), Columbia Street, Belfast, is denying membership of the Red Hand Defenders and making the hoax call.

Opposing his bail application in the High Court in Belfast, a prosecution lawyer said the Red Hand Defenders was a cover name for the illegal UFF.

The lawyer said police were "keeping tabs" on Mr Smith to serve a warrant issued by the Secretary of State revoking his release from prison under the Good Friday agreement.

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He said at 7.15 a.m. on June 25th, police followed Mr Smith's car to Cavehill Road where the driver entered a phone kiosk and made a call to UTV claiming there was a bomb at Holy Cross Girls' Primary School.

The lawyer said police seized the phone, and Mr Smith's fingerprints were found on it. He was arrested but remained silent during police interviews.

Mr Smith's lawyer conceded that even if bail was granted, he would not be freed because he had been returned to prison to resume a 16-year sentence for conspiracy to murder.

Mr Smith wanted precise details about the police surveillance so he could mount a legal challenge to the Secretary of State's decision to revoke his licence.