SOLICITORS acting for a man charged with the attempted murder of two PSNI officers have threatened legal action in a bid to have him moved to a republican wing at Maghaberry Prison.
Charlie Love (28) faces four charges linked to an explosion in Strabane, Co Tyrone, in November.
These include two charges of attempted murder of police officers, causing an explosion likely to endanger life and possessing explosives with intent to endanger life on the same date.
The New IRA later claimed responsibility for deploying an improvised explosive device.
Love, who denies the charges, was remanded in custody after a court appearance earlier this month.
His legal team claims that since being taken to Maghaberry Prison he has not been transferred Roe House, where republican prisoners are normally housed.
His solicitor Aiden Carlin, of Carlin Solicitors, who has sent pre action correspondence to the prison service, last night said his client "remains in the integrated body of the prison" and is concerned for his safety.
"Due to safety concerns, he subsequently requested to be transferred to the separated republican wing at the prison," he said.
"It is respectfully submitted that the prison service has thus far failed our client in terms of keeping him safe and in humane conditions."
Mr Carlin said his client is "gravely concerned for his own safety given the nature of the charges, which he denies".
"We are instructed that he is afraid to leave his cell," he said.
"Consequently, he has not had normal access to food and the yard."
A spokesman for the prison service said: "The Northern Ireland Prison Service does not comment on individual prisoners."
