Weapons ‘could have been used in dissident republican attack’
High-velocity weapons seized from the boot of a car in Co Tyrone could have been used for a dissident republican attack on police, the High Court heard.
Prosecutors revealed two .22 rifles, one with a telescopic sight fitted, parts for a sawn-off shotgun, silencers and more than 100 rounds of ammunition — some hollow pointed — were found under deck chairs.
Searches of the Rover vehicle also uncovered vision enhancement equipment, a combat jacket, woollen hat, rubber gloves and allen keys which police suspect may have been used to fit sights to the guns, a judge was told.
The car’s registered owner, Damien McLaughlin (33), denies a charge of possessing firearms with intent to endanger life or property in connection with the find made on September 22.
McLaughlin, of Lake View Cottages, Ardboe, is prepared to offer sureties of £700,000 in order to be released on bail, his lawyer disclosed.
Crown counsel Christine Smith said the father-of-two was arrested after police searched his home and vehicles.
During police interviews McLaughlin produced a pre-prepared statement denying knowledge of the guns and ammunition and to say he had not put them there.
Opposing McLaughlin’s application for High Court bail, Mrs Smith also disclosed that some witnesses have been reluctant to provide statements.
Twenty character references were supplied in support of McLaughlin’s application, including appraisals from priests and an MLA for the area.
