A MAN who received a work injury payout was threatened with being shot if he didn't make a £30,000 "goodwill gesture" to a purported INLA representative, the High Court heard yesterday.
Prosecutors claimed he was menaced at a barber's shop in Strabane, Co Tyrone.
Details emerged as bail was refused to a taxi driver accused of involvement in the extortion plot.
Thomas Brown (46), of Mount Sion in Strabane, denies charges of blackmail and being concerned in the supply of Class A, B and C drugs.
Crown lawyer Mark Farrell said the alleged victim received an insurance payout following a work-related accident.
It was claimed he arranged to meet another man last month following demands to pay a £500 excess charge on the insurance policy.
Mr Farrell contended: "At that meeting in the barber's shop a second male came downstairs, claiming to be from the INLA and said he (the complainant) would have to pay £30,000 as a goodwill gesture for all the stress."
The man was allegedly told if he did not pay the money "bad things would happen to him" and was threatened with being shot.
Mr Brown was arrested after being identified by the alleged victim.
During interviews he told police they had joked, and the complainant may have taken "banter" the wrong way.
He denied making threats or having connections with any outlawed grouping.
Opposing bail, Mr Farrell said police believe the defendant has been "involved in a blackmail plot and the supply of drugs" on behalf of an "organised crime gang."
Pressed by the judge, he confirmed detectives suspect that outfit to be the INLA.
Defence counsel Kelly Doherty said Mr Brown has not been charged with membership of any proscribed organisation.
She said her client works for a taxi company transporting special needs children to school.
Lord Justice Treacy denied bail.
