Three remanded on UVF charges
AN alleged former top UVF man was among three men remanded in custody yesterday in connection with a pipe bomb attack seven years ago.
Police claimed the trio are suspected of involvement in a plot to target the girlfriend of a man due to testify about a brutal assault he was subjected to.
Robert Warnock, 62, William Young, 40, and 32-year-old Raymond Burns are each charged with belonging to the UVF at the time and conspiring to intimidate Crown witness Trevor Gowdy.
Young, of Silvio Street, Belfast, is also accused of conspiracy to cause an explosion, while Burns, from Ballyvessey Court, Newtownabbey, faces further counts of possessing a pipe bomb and causing an explosion.
All three men were charged by detectives from the serious crime branch as part of Operation Ballast, an ongoing probe into UVF crime in north Belfast.
Resisting bail applications by Burns and Warnock, of New Barnsley Park, Belfast, a detective constable based his opposition on the risk of interference with witnesses and further offences.
He told Belfast Magistrates Court the charges related to a pipe bomb attack in September 2003 at the family home in Larne of Mr Gowdy's then girlfriend.
The officer said: "That is the length to which this group have gone to."
He confirmed the case against the three accused was based on witness statements supplied by Newtownabbey brothers David and Robert Stewart, who were jailed for three years last week for dozens of terrorist crimes after turning so-called supergrasses.
During the hearing a prosecution lawyer alleged the evidence against Warnock is that he was "an extremely senior member of the UVF" at the time of the offences.
He claimed: "He tried to interfere with friends and family of Mr Gowdy. Mr Gowdy had been removed from the jurisdiction for his own protection and this was the only way they could interfere with Mr Gowdy to try and stop him giving evidence.”
It was also disclosed that a berry with a badge carrying a UVF emblem and a tie with UVF badges on it were allegedly discovered during searches of Warnock’s home.
Warnock’s barrister, Mark Farrell, criticised the evidence against his client, describing it as “toxic”.
Mr Farrell questioned how it would be possible to interfere with witnesses currently in a high security prison and not due for release until mid-2011.
He told the court Warnock had “distanced himself” from the UVF many years ago and had been “instrumental” in the peace process.
Former secretary of state Mo Mowlam sent him a letter acknowledging his contributions, according to his lawyer.
The detective confirmed during questioning by Burns’ solicitor John Greer that there was no scientific or forensic evidence to connect him to the alleged offences.
The court also heard Young, who did not seek bail, went to Antrim police station voluntarily when he became aware detectives wanted to speak to him.
His lawyer said he repeatedly denied UVF membership and any involvement in the pipe bomb attack during questioning.
District Judge Fiona Bagnall refused to release Warnock and Burns, ruling: “On the basis of the objections outlined to me in the context of the offences which are alleged I’m satisfied that there is a risk of interference with witnesses in an indirect fashion.”
All three accused were remanded in custody to appear again via video-link next month.
Meanwhile, a 33-year-old man was arrested yesterday morning in connection with Operation Ballast.
The man has been taken to Antrim Serious Crime Suite for questioning.
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Weather for Belfast
Tuesday 29 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 12 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Light showers
Temperature: 12 C to 20 C
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