The most recent person to be charged with attempting to murder Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell, as he coached a youth football team on February 22, 2023, appeared before a special sitting of Dungannon Magistrates’ Court following a breach of bail.
Alan Lundy (45) from Flax Street, Belfast but bailed to reside at an address in Galbally, County Tyrone is also accused of preparing for terrorist acts and is the only person of the 14 defendants, allegedly involved, to be charged with directing a terrorist organisation.
It was previously disclosed there was an earlier attempt to attack DCI Caldwell three weeks before the incident, as a particular car was spotted in the Youth Sport area in Omagh, however, training was cancelled that night.
The prosecution contend Lundy is, “integral to the acquisition, storage and disposal of vehicles used in the attack. They were either purchased or stored in Belfast before being supplied to those involved on the direction of the defendant”.
He is alleged to be the New IRA commanding officer in Belfast and involved in meetings with others connected to the attack in which, “operational security was employed, with meetings arranged by short phone calls. Meetings took place outdoors by ‘a walk-and-talk’. Mobile phones were taken to meetings but left in cars. These are active before and after the meetings, but not during. Plans are put in place and key events occur afterwards”.
Seven mobile phones were seized during a search of Lundy’s property but no access codes were provided. In addition, a phone he is suspected of using around the time of the attack has not been found.
During covert recordings in Operation Arbacia, Lundy was described as “the most sincere volunteer. If you haven’t got him as OC in Belfast, you’re in difficulties”.
Although refused bail following arrest, Lundy was released by the High Court on strict terms, but found himself back before the court after a breach.
A detective sergeant explained Lundy had his bail varied to allow him to attend a funeral, however, his G4S tag activated when he failed to return to his bail address.
Police arrived at the property and a search showed Lundy was not there.
He was later detected at his mother’s home in Belfast at around 4am and arrested.
The detective said no explanation was provided for this while in custody, although it transpired there was a mix up in transport and Lundy felt he had no option but to spend the night in Belfast.
Objecting to bail she said the attack on DCI Caldwell was “a replanned and sophisticated operation by those dedicated to violence”.
She added: “There are substantial grounds to suspect further offences will occur and they will be grave. The defendant is of a mindset and association sympathetic to violent dissident republican activity. The current threat level is severe. The claim note stated, ‘You will have to live a normal life and one day the IRA will be waiting’. That was a very sinister threat which has to be taken seriously.”
The defence argued: “This is a rehearsal of all that was heard at the High Court who saw fit to grant bail. It’s a matter of law that bail must be granted as there is nothing whatsoever as to why this breach means he is now not suitable for release.”
District Judge Alana McSorley retorted: “Because he breached it and that’s accepted”.
However, she agreed to release Lundy on the basis this was the first breach since bail was granted, and he had engaged fully with police ahead of seeking the variation.
He will appear again with all co-accused at Omagh Magistrates’ Court on October 8.
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