'Grudge Against Cop' Is The 'Golden Thread' Linking Some Accused

Seven men were remanded in custody yesterday after appearing in court accused of the attempted murder of a senior detective.

- DAVID YOUNG

DCI John Caldwell was shot several times outside a sports complex in Omagh, Co Tyrone, in February.

He had been coaching a youth football match and was with his young son at the time of the attack.

The so-called New IRA claimed responsibility for the shooting, with police investigating if the dissident republican group may have been assisted by members of a criminal gang.

The accused who appeared via videolink at Dungannon Magistrates' Court were Omagh men Jonathan McGinty, 28, of St Julians Downs, Robert McLean, 29, of Deverney Park, Matthew McLean, 33, of Glenpark Road and their 72-year-old father James Ivor McLean, of Deverney Park.

Also in court were Gavin Coyle, 45, of Killybrack Mews, Alan McFarland, 47, from Deverney Park, both Omagh and 38-year-old Brian Carron, whose address was given as Claremount Drive, Coalisland, Co Tyrone.

Carron and Coyle are further accused of belonging to a proscribed organisation, namely the IRA.

McGinty, McFarland and Matthew McLean are also charged with preparation of terrorist acts.

Coyle, James Ivor McLean and McGinty made bail applications. Their lawyers questioned the strength of the evidence against their clients.