The trial of two men accused of involvement in a foiled "Real IRA" bomb plot last year have been acquitted in Belfast after the prosecution offered no evidence against them.
Mr Martin Ambrose Brogan (35) from Commedagh Park, Castlewellan, and Mr Mark Joseph Carroll (36) from Shannagh Drive, Annalong, were arrested when security forces intercepted two under-car booby-trap bombs on the Omeath Road outside Newry on September 17th last year.
Mr Brogan was also acquitted of membership of the "Real IRA".
The two men called for a public inquiry into their arrests and detention. After the case at Belfast Crown Court, their solicitor claimed the prosecution was "politically motivated and designed to send them on their way to a lengthy prison term".