Two men facing terrorism charges linked to the PSNI data breach are to challenge the prosecution deviance against them.
Brian Francis Cavlan (49) from Corrainey Park, Dungannon and Rory Martin Logan (44) from Ross Close, Enniskillen, but currently with an address given as HMP Maghaberry, first appeared in court in February 2025 where, at that time, a detective sergeant confirmed the charges could be connected.
The data breach occurred in August 2023, when PSNI released the names of more than 10,000 staff and officers by mistake, under a Freedom of Information request.
Cavlan is charged with having two spreadsheets containing details of serving PSNI officers and staff members on April 12, 2024,
Logan is accused of committing the same offence on June 11, 2024.
It is alleged the material was found on mobile phones belonging to both accused.
While the detective informed the court Cavlan had screenshots of certain parts of the spreadsheet, there was no evidence that he had downloaded it from the source.
It was further confirmed the spreadsheet had been shared “a considerable amount of times”.
The case was listed before the most recent sitting of Omagh Magistrates’ Court for a committal hearing to elevate to trial, however defence barristers for both accused said the prosecution evidence is disputed and will be subject to challenge.
They advised no witnesses would be required to give evidence, rather submissions would be made on the case papers.
Deputy District Judge Austin Kennedy listed the hearing for 14 May which, depending on the ruling, will see both men either returned for trial at crown court or the charges dismissed.
