Dungiven: Second man in court over New IRA threats

St Canice's GAA club in Dungiven where masked men issued threats on Friday night

A second man has appeared in court accused of making threats in the name of the New IRA.

Michael Conwell, 30, of Lettershandoney Avenue, Lettershandoney, Londonderry, appeared in handcuffs at Ballymena Magistrates' Court on Thursday.

He denies membership of the New IRA and having a gun in Dungiven on 19 January.

On that evening, a masked and armed gang reportedly entered St Canice's GAA club and several pubs and issued threats.

He is also charged with having a metal pole at Garvagh Road in the town on the same date.

'Leading the charge'

A detective constable, who opposed bail, told District Judge Nigel Broderick that he could connect the accused to the charges.

He said that on the night in question, three masked men had entered five licensed premises in Dungiven and issued threats about drug dealing.

Police believed the defendant had been "leading the charge" during the incidents.

CCTV footage seized by detectives linked him to a car used by the masked gang.

The detective added that the gang had met at Owenbeg GAA centre beforehand to plan their "terrorist activity".

He said that the examination of mobile phones linked Mr Conwell to co-accused Dermot Burke, 58, of Drum Road, Dungiven, who appeared in court on terrorism charges earlier this week.

The district judge refused a bail application and remanded Mr Conwell in custody until 19 February.

About 100 children and their parents were in St Canice's clubhouse for an underage presentation when a masked gang allegedly entered and made threats.