A COUPLE and their son appeared in court today to face firearms and drug offences charges, allegedly linked to dissident republican activity.
Appearing at Lisburn Magistrates Court by videolink from their solicitor's offices were Brian Martin McIvor (58) and his wife Moira, also 58 and their 23-year-old son Brian Óg.
The husband and wife, both from Lagmore Glen in Dunmurry, are jointly charged with possessing three firearms, specifically three handguns, under suspicious circumstances on August 14 2018.
Mr and Mrs McIvor are alleged to have possessed “a disassemble 'Colt model 1903 Pocket Hammerless 32'' Auto / 7.65 x 17 mm calibre self-loading pistol, a 'Unique .25” Auto / 6,35 x 16 mm SR calibre self-loading pistol and a 'Rohm' model RG10 .22'' short calibre revolver.”
On the same indictment their son, also from Lagmore Glen, faces two counts of being concerned in supplying cannabis and simple possession of the class B drug in dates between August 2 2017 and August 14 2018.
None of the facts were opened in court but during a brief Preliminary Inquiry.
Applying for legal aid to be extended to allow senior barristers to be instructed for each of the defendants, defence lawyer Conor Lunney
said there were close to 1,000 pages of evidence and “certain suggestions at interview that these finds were linked to dissident republican activity,” there would be complex issues regarding the evidence and disclosure at the trial.
He further argued that “given it’s clearly an intelligence led set of allegations,” there would also be issues relating to RIPA (regulation of investigatory powers act) so “the involvement of senior counsel will help to narrow the issues.”
Granting the defence applications for senior counsel, District Judge Rosie Watters freed each of the accused on their own bail of £500 and returning the case to Craigavon Crown Court, ordered them to appear for their arraignment on May 28.
