Two people have appeared in court after a number of firearms were recovered by police investigating an incident in Coalisland last week during which a man was shot in the arm.
Eamon McElkenny (34) and Roisin Price (43) both of Maplebrook Court, Coalisland are jointly charged with possessing four 12 gauge shotgun cartridges, eight or more assorted rounds, an empty magazine, a sawn off shotgun barrel, and two air rifles in suspicious circumstances and without a firearms certificate.
McElkenny is further charged with possessing ammunition and unlawfully acquiring explosives.
A detective constable told Strabane Magistrates’ Court the charges could be connected.
He explained during the early hours of November 5 police were carrying out a patrol following the shooting, when they observed three people walking in the Linside area of Coalisland.
On seeing police, one person dropped a sum of cash and a bag of medication to the ground, and fled on foot.
He was apprehended and provided the name Loughlan Fitzpatrick, which officers believe was false.
The other two people – McElkenny and Price – were also detained and arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
When Price was searched, two spent shotgun cartridges were found in her bra, which have been sent for forensic testing.
Meanwhile, McElkenny’s home was searched and the firearms and ammunition were recovered.
In interview Price confirmed she has seen some of the firearms while staying at McElkenny’s address.
He made no comment to any questions put to him.
The detective did not oppose bail for Price who was released to reside at an address approved by police and must have no contact with McElkenny or any witnesses.
In respect of McElkenny however the detective objected pointing to a history of failing to abide by court orders and previous convictions including carrying an imitation firearm in public.
He is also on bail for assaulting policing in July.
In addition his address is considered unsuitable as the firearms discovered there.
The detective confirmed there is currently no evidence of any terrorist link.
A defence solicitor told the court while McElkeeny was initially arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, he has since been bailed on that.
He argued if bail was appropriate in that “very serious allegation” the current matters should be treated similarly.
In addition it was pointed out the co-accused, Price, has been granted bail without police objection.
It was claimed McElkeneny resides with his mother and grandmother who “have a significant influence in his life”, but the detective expressed concern at this as they were residing in the house where the firearms were discovered.
Deputy District Judge Austin Kennedy agreed to release McElkenny on £500 bail with a £500 surety to reside at an address approved by police.
He must have contact with his co-accused or any witnesses and banned from entering Coalisland as defined by the 30mph limit.
There is a curfew 8pm to 8am and he must report to police twice weekly.
The case will be mentioned again at Dungannon Magistrates’ Court on November 27.
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