Men accused of terrorism offence appear before Londonderry Magistrates Court

Two men were returned for trial when they appeared before Londonderry Magistrates Court charged with belonging to the IRA.
By The Newsroom
Published 31st Jan 2015, 06:00 BST
Bishop street CourthouseBishop street Courthouse
Bishop street Courthouse

In the dock before District Judge Barney McElholm were Thomas Ashe Mellon (39), of Rathmor Road, Cityside, and 28-year-old William Martin McDonnell, from an address at nearby Culdaff Gardens. Both are accused of belonging to a proscribed organisation between December 31, 2013 and June 7, 2014.

They are also further charged with possessing an article for use in terrorism, namely a hand written note, on June 5, last year.

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Meanwhile, Mellon is further charged with directing the IRA during the same period.

On hearing the outline of evidence District Judge McElholm found there was a case for both defendants to answer on the papers.

Mellon and McDonnell declined to say anything in answer to the charges or to call any evidence on their own behalf.

Mellon was remanded in custody and McDonnell released on continuing bail to appear at Belfast Crown Court for arraignment at a later date.

District Judge McElholm granted a defence application permitting appointment of senior counsel to the case.