Two men have appeared in court in relation to terrorism charges from last year during which a suspected improvised explosive device was discovered in the Ravensdale area of County Louth.
Peter Thomas Granaghan (44) from Gurteen Road, Garrison and Brian Francis Cavlan (49) from Corrainey Park, Dungannon are jointly accused of preparing for acts of terrorism by assisting another through logistical planning and preparation in respect of the intended possession of explosive substances.
Offending is alleged to have occurred on dates between June 3 and 8, 2024.
Neither accused, who appeared by video-link from police custody, acknowledged the court.
A detective sergeant told Strabane Magistrates’ Court the charges could be connected however this was challenged by defence lawyers for the pair.
The case arises from an investigation into a radio-controlled device which it is believed the accused were actively engaged in the logistical planning for the transport and activation of the device
The detective said: “These defendants are charged with preparatory acts by traveling in the car of another coaccused on June 4. Evidence has been recovered in the form of DNA, fingerprints, financial, CCTV and ANPR (number plate recognition) …There was a convoluted travel pattern and police believe they were in leadership roles. They travelled from Belleek to County Cavan. The purpose of the journey was to allow the transfer of information as to where the device would be left. That was very precious information, and it was to be given in person.”
The court heard the vehicle’s Sat Nav “passively” recorded all data including routes taken, locations and stops.
“The actions of June 4 were fundamental and without them, the device wouldn’t have moved on June 8.” said the detective.
“We believe they took steps to essentially clean themselves of potential surveillance. We took great lengths to put to them to put forward an innocent explanation for the journeys, but both remained silent over seven-and-a-half hours of interview.”
District Judge Alana McSorley found both men had been correctly connected to the charges.
Neither accused applied for bail at this stage and were remanded in custody to appear again by video-link on November 4.
Just over a year ago two others Emmet Maguire (44) from Station Road and Rory Martin Logan (43) from Ross Close, both in Enniskillen were jointly charged with preparing for acts of terrorism by travelling to Cullies Cemetery in County Cavan on 8 June, where they collected a radio controlled explosively formed projectile which they transported to Dromad, County Louth.
It is further alleged they possessed explosive substances, namely, a radio-controlled projectile, to endanger life or cause serious injury.
Previously the court heard Logan deleted CCTV footage from his home which when recovered showed him walk a short distance to a car where Maguire was in the driver seat.
A detective explained the Sat Nav showed the exact journey, and, “The data goes back to 2022 yet this is the first time this journey to the deposition site was made. They took anti-surveillance movements, driving past the cemetery four times, then entering and leaving several times before allegedly picking up the device. It was then taken to a disused nightclub near the Carrickdale Hotel.”
He added, “When recovered, the device was cleanly wrapped indicating recent placement. It held 300gms high explosive and military grade. The only thing it is designed for is to penetrate armoured vehicles.”
There was communication between Maguire and Logan but both mobile phones were left switched on in Enniskillen during the journey but never used until they returned.
He advised that while the majority of offending allegedly occurred in the Republic of Ireland the Public Prosecution Service have confirmed it is appropriate to have the case heard in Northern Ireland.
