Two men appeared at Belmarsh Magistrates' Court yesterday charged in connection with bomb attacks in London and Birmingham that police believe were carried out by the "Real IRA".
Mr James Patrick McCormack (33) and Mr Aiden Patrick Hulme (25) were driven into the high-security court complex in south-east London under armed police guard and entered the court building through a side entrance.
The men were arrested separately in Northern Ireland last week and brought to London by anti-terrorist police.
Mr McCormack, who was born in Dundalk, Co Louth, is charged with causing three explosions last year likely to endanger life or cause serious injury in Birmingham, and in Ealing and Shepherd's Bush in west London.
He is also charged with possessing explosives - a timer, power unit and three detonators - at Hilltop Farm, West Ardsley, Yorkshire, on or before November 14th last year and possessing a grenade, a Smith and Wesson .38 revolver and three rounds of ammunition with intent to endanger life at the same address.
In addition, Mr McCormack is charged with conspiracy to cause an explosion with two others - Mr Robert Hulme and Mr Noel Maguire, who are currently on remand in Belmarsh prison - on or before November 14th last year.
Mr Hulme, who appeared in court leaning heavily on a crutch, is also charged with conspiracy to cause explosions with Mr Maguire and Mr Robert Hulme on or before November 14th.
Both men spoke only to confirm their names and dates of birth during a 10-minute hearing and no application was made for bail. Both men were remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on February 21st.
Anti-terrorist police believe the "Real IRA" carried out the bombings in Birmingham, Ealing and outside the BBC's headquarters in Shepherd's Bush last year as part of a sustained terrorist campaign. On March 3rd, a car containing explosives was detonated outside the BBC building causing massive damage but no loss of life.
Five months later, on August 3rd, a car exploded in a busy street in Ealing as people enjoyed a night out in nearby bars and restaurants.
On November 3rd, an explosive device partially detonated inside a car beside the Bull Ring shopping complex in Birmingham.