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Loyalist Harbinson refused bail for third time

Loyalist Mark Harbinson has been refused bail
Loyalist Mark Harbinson has been refused bail Loyalist Mark Harbinson has been refused bail

HIGH profile loyalist Mark Harbinson has been refused bail for a third time after a judge said his circumstances have not changed.

Harbinson, from the Sheepwalk Road in Lisburn, is currently on remand in Maghaberry prison after a gun and ammunition was discovered in his home last year.

He is charged with intent to endanger life after a Makarov 9 ml semi automatic pistol, 28 rounds of suitable ammunition and a silencer were found in a biscuit tin in an out building after police searched his property.

He was later arrested later in England after having first travelled to the Republic.

During yesterday’s hearing at Lisburn Magistrates Court a lawyer for Harbinson, who appeared via videolink, said that since his client was refused bail earlier this year “the brakes have gone on” the case.

District Court judge Peter King suggested that in his view “there may very well have been the foot taken off the gas given the pressure” on forensic services.

A PSNI officer told the court that outstanding forensic material, including DNA and fingerprint reports, can be expected to be completed in the coming weeks.

Refusing bail Mr King said “if the defence are raising any issues of change of circumstances the high court is the best place.”