Northern Ireland

Alleged dissident republicans face further charges

Sharon Jordan
Sharon Jordan Sharon Jordan

Two dissident republicans currently remanded in custody have each been charged with further offences, after being released to police overnight for further interview.

Both were originally arrested as part of a joint PSNI and MI5 surveillance-led investigation known as Operation Arbacia, into alleged dissident republican activity.

An application was made at Dungannon Magistrates Court on Wednesday to have Damien Joseph McLaughlin (44) and Sharon Jordan (45) handed into police custody for questioning.

Although the period sought was three days, the judge felt this was disproportionate, instead allowing 24 hours.

Yesterday, they appeared before Strabane Magistrates Court by video-link on additional matters relating to failures to abide by counter terrorism notification requirements which both are subjected to.

It is alleged Jordan, from Cappagh Road, Dungannon twice failed to provide specific information to police, the first on dates between July 2019 and June 2020, then again between July 20, 2020 and January 6, 2021.

In respect of McLaughlin, from Kilmascally Road, Dungannon, it is alleged between July 16, 2020 and January 6, 2021 he failed to notify police of details involving financial information.

The cases have been adjourned back to Dungannon Magistrates Court to link with existing matters later this month.

The eight other defendants in the case are David Jordan from Dungannon; Kevin Murphy from Coalisland, Amanda McCabe and Shea Reynolds from Lurgan; Joseph Barr, Patrick McDaid and Gary Hayden from Derry.

All face varying offences including belong to the IRA, directing terrorism and preparing terrorist acts.

McLaughlin and McReynolds are also accused of conspiring to possess Semtex and 100 rounds of ammunition.

Dr Issam Bassalat (62) from Edinburgh is charged with intending to commit acts of terrorism or assisting to commit such acts by attending and addressing an IRA meeting.

Offending allegedly occurred at various dates in Omagh between February and July.

Some defendants have applied for bail, but to date have been refused.