Three deny 'Real IRA' bomb campaign charges

Three suspected "Real IRA" men accused of plotting to cause explosions in Britain or the Republic have denied the charges ahead…

Three suspected "Real IRA" men accused of plotting to cause explosions in Britain or the Republic have denied the charges ahead of their trial starting at the Old Bailey.

The trial of Mr Robert Hulme (25), Mr Noel Maguire (34), and Mr Aiden Hulme (26), is due to start tomorrow.

Mr Robert Hulme and Mr Maguire also deny two further charges of possession of explosive substances on November 14th, 2001 and one of possessing a firearm on the same date - a Smith and Wesson revolver and three rounds of ammunition - with the intent to endanger life.

The conspiracy to cause explosions is alleged to have occurred between January 1st and November 15th 2001.

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The jury which will try the trio was sworn in today. The 12 were selected after a panel of around 60 were questioned on whether they, or any member of their families, had been victims of a terrorist incident or witnessed a terrorist incident, which would disqualify them from serving.

They were also asked if they or any member of their family or close friends had been employed by the police, Customs and Excise, Prison Service, security services or armed forces.

The trial is due to last up to ten weeks.