Man faces trial on five terror-related offences

Barry Francis Joseph Edward Petticrew, whose address was given as HMP Maghaberry, appeared in court on Thursday on five charges linked to the haul, which was discovered in a farm building near Kinawley village in October, 2014.

The 54-year old appeared at Belfast Crown Court where he was charged - and denied - five terrorist-related offences.

Pettigrew pleaded ‘not guilty’ to possessing explosive substances - namely improvised explosive devices, timer power units, detonating cord, a coffee grinder, explosive filling, a mortar base, fertilizer and other component parts - with intent to endanger life or cause serious damage to property, on October 8, 2014.

He was also charged with possessing the same items on the same date, in suspicious circumstances.

Pettigrew also denied a charge of possessing articles for use in terrorism. The articles in question include disposable suits, disposable and rubber gloves, dust masks, cutting discs, a glue gun and electrical tape.

In addition, Pettigrew was charged with possessing a quantity of ammunition on October 8, 2014 with intent to endanger life or cause serious damage to property, and of possessing a firearm, namely a pistol, in suspicious circumstances.

When charged with these offences, Pettigrew answered ‘not guilty.’

The non-jury Diplock case is expected to last between two to three weeks, and is due to commence in September 2016.

After he denied all five charges levelled against him, Pettigrew was remanded back in to custody.