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Dissident bomb run pair to be sentenced on Thursday

Brian Walsh at an earlier court hearing
Brian Walsh at an earlier court hearing Brian Walsh at an earlier court hearing

Two men from Co Meath who were "caught red-handed" on a bomb run are expected to receive lengthy jail terms when they are sentenced for terrorist offences later this week.

Brian Walsh and Darren Poleon left a blast bomb 20 metres from the lobby of a hotel in Derry which was due to host a PSNI information event in October 2015.

The pair were informed by Judge Geoffery Miller QC that they will be sentenced on Thursday for their "involvement in a potentially murderous attack."

Belfast Crown Court heard the device was found in shrubbey in the car park of the Waterfoot Hotel, and it was the same type of bomb that exploded outside Palace Barracks in Co Down the previous August.

Both Poleon (43), from Lightown in Kells and 35-year old Brian Walsh from Drumree in Dunshaughlin - initially denied any involvement in the bomb plot, but subsequently admitted two offences.

They both pleaded guilty to possessing an explosive substance with intent to endanger life or cause serious injury to property on October 6, 2015, and possessing articles for use in terrorism, on the same date, 'in circumstances which give rise to a reasonable suspicion that their possession was for a purpose connected ... to the commission, preparation or instigation of an act of terrorism.'

The articles in question include a Satellite Navigation System, bolt cutters, a balaclava, binoculars, assorted gloves, hand held two-way radios, wigs, a head torch and plastic adhesive tape.

The court heard that information found on both men's mobiles linked them to "people associated with Irish Republicanism" - including an image of a punishment shooting accompanied by the words 'bringing back old school' and 'dealers beware.'

The Crown revealed there was also a reservation made in the name of Darren Poleon at the Waterfoot Hotel for October 9th, which was cancelled when the device was discovered. Poleon's DNA was also found on the bomb.

Defence barrister Martin O'Rourke, defending Poleon, said the father of two has been in consistent employment since leaving school.

Mr O'Rourke told Judge Miller that despite Poleon's home being searched in connection with the Derry incident in October 2015, he still travelled over the border to honour his bail in December.

Karen Quinlivan QC, representing Walsh, said her client was undergoing treatment for a medical condition which has caused difficulties throughout his life.

Telling the court Walsh was not connected to the bomb forensically, Ms Quinlivan said that whilst on remand he has expressed views that only peaceful means can achieve political aims.