Man accused of role in Enniskillen terror attack fails in his bid to be released from custody

Gabriel Meehan, 42, was refused bail at the High Court amid claims he was involved in events surrounding the suspected Continuity IRA attack on the police base in Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh.

The former member of Republican Sinn Fein is also accused of targeting a British military officer by storing his vehicle registration mark.

But defence lawyers argued that Meehan, of Pound Street in Irvinestown, had the details on a scrap of paper inside a mobile phone due to fears he was being followed.

He faces charges of possessing a firearm and ammunition with intent to endanger life, as well as having articles for use in terrorism and details of a vehicle belonging to a member of the security forces.

Police located the improvised device and a spent cartridge in a riverside area opposite the PSNI Station on March 17 this year.

It followed a series of telephone messages to media organisations from callers claiming to represent the Continuity IRA, stating either that a bomb had been left in the area or shots had been fired at the PSNI base. Forensic examinations were carried out on the shotgun and assessed that it had been recently discharged, the court was told.

Investigations led to Meehan’s home being searched on March 30.

Crown counsel said a phone recovered from a bedroom hide contained a receipt with a British Army captain’s registration details “secreted” inside the battery section.

According to the prosecution the intention was to target a serving member of the security forces.

But during a fresh application for bail, Mrs Justice Keegan was told Meehan had been left anxious and afraid following unwanted approaches from men who were seeking information about Republican Sinn Fein and putting bundles of cash through his letter box.

In a further alleged incident, a car with the registration mark found in Meehan’s phone exited a Territorial Army base and travelled behind his vehicle for up to five minutes.

Defence barrister Joe Brolly told the court his client noted the number plate fearing he was being followed.

Meehan has provided a completely innocent explanation based on concerns that military personnel were attempting to make contact with him, it was contended.

Despite prosecution submissions that Meehan was sighted on March 16, close to where the device was located the following day, Mr Brolly insisted that he made none of the phone calls and was not responsible for planting the device.

But refusing bail once again, Mrs Justice Keegan cited the risk of re-offending set out in her original decision.

She said: “I remain of the view that there is a prima facie case here. I’m satisfied that my determination should stand.”

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