PROMINENT loyalist Mark Harbinson is to stand trial later this year on firearms and ammunition offences.
The 50-year old, from Sheepwalk Road in Lisburn, appeared at Belfast Crown Court where he denied three offences linked to the discovery of a pistol, silencer and bullets in a biscuit tin.
Harbinson was charged with three offences arising from the discovery of the gun, which was located in outbuildings at his home.
He was charged with possessing the .9mm Makarov pistol, a silencer and 28 rounds of .9 ammunition in suspicious cirumstances on December 21, 2015. He was also charged with possesssing both the firearm, and the ammunition, without holding a relevant Firearms Certificate.
When all three charges were put to Harbinson, he replied "not guilty" to each offence.
At a previous hearing which took place last week, Harbinson was formally acquitted by Judge Geoffrey Miller QC of possessing the items with intent to endanger life.
Following today's denials, a defence barrister for Harbinson confirmed that the trial - which is due to commence at the start of April - will last around three days.
Judge Miller was also informed that Harbinson will be launching an application for bail last week.
After being told of the trial date, the Lisburn defendant was remanded back into custody.
