Three men have been returned for trial in relation to an alleged terrorism incident during which a vehicle was hijacked at gunpoint and the driver forced to transport a device to Omagh PSNI Station.
Appearing for a committal hearing were Martin Kelly (50) from Drennan Road, Beragh along with Francis Hugh Pearson (58) and Sean Pearson (31) both from Culmore Park, Omagh are jointly accused of hijacking a vehicle by threat and compelling a person to convey a hoax bomb to Omagh PSNI Station; placing an article in the vehicle in the belief it may ignite or explode, and possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.
Kelly is further accused of possessing ammunition, namely five shotgun cartridges without a firearm certificate.
Offending is alleged to have occurred on May 3, 2023.
A prosecuting lawyer told Omagh Magistrates’ Court there is a case to answer which was agreed by District Judge Peter Magill.
None of the accused acknowledged the court or participated in proceedings.
Judge Magill remanded all three on continuing bail to appear for arraignment at Dungannon Crown Court on a date to be fixed next month.
A detective inspector previously explained the incident occurred on, “The night of the King’s Coronation and the injured party had just exited his car at St Mary’s Church in Omagh when two males approached.”
One stated they were IRA while another commented, “The timer has been set”.
A third male appeared allegedly holding a firearm and an item was placed in the boot of the injured party’s vehicle.
He was then instructed to, “Take it to the f***ing barracks. You have 20 minutes.”
They removed the terrified man’s phone and out of coercion, he drove to the PSNI station and alerted staff.
A major security operation was launched and a hoax device was recovered containing a gas cannister, low-grade explosives, a timer switch and adhesive tape.
CCTV footage appeared to show Sean Pearson purchasing gas cannisters and a mechanical timer switch paid for by card.
Similar footage showed him purchasing adhesive tape again using his card.
He was arrested, released and rearrested, but made no comment to all questions.
The detective said, “A firearm remains outstanding as well as two, potentially three suspects. The injured party was highly traumatised. Huge disruption was caused. People had to be evacuated from their homes and a Mass had to be cancelled. This attack came just two months after the attempted murder of DCJ John Caldwell. Republican Sinn Fein issued a statement after the defendant was previously arrested although did not identify him.”
While Pearson was initially refused bail he was later released and the other co-accused were joined to the matter late last year.
