Man remanded over PSNI murder bid
A 47-year-old man has been remanded in custody charged with the attempted murder of police officers in north Belfast during disorder which erupted on the Twelfth of July.
Thomas McWilliams, from Northwick Drive in Ardoyne, is also charged with possession of a firearm with intent to kill.
A number of police officers were injured while trying to restore calm in Ardoyne last Thursday after rioting broke out following a contentious Orange Order march and subsequent protests by local residents.
During the hearing on Wednesday at Belfast Magistrates’ Court, the accused’s defence asked a detective if his client was accused of firing shots to which the detective replied: “No.”
However, when asked if police believed the accused was responsible for driving the weapon away from the scene in a car, the PSNI officer replied: “Yes.”
That vehicle was seized by police last Friday.
The officer also agreed there was currently no forensic evidence linking the accused to the incident.
No application was made for bail.
As Mr McWilliams was led from the dock he saluted supporters who cheered and applauded from the public gallery.
The accused is expected to appear again via videolink on 15 August.
