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File photo of PSNI officer on patrol.
Northern Ireland

Republic charged under terrorism law

Member of 32 County Sovereignty Movement in Derry court on charge.

ONE OF THE LEADERS of the dissident republican group, the 32 County Sovereignty Movement, has appeared in court for an offence under terrorism law.

Gary Donnelly, 39, of Sackville Court, Derry, is accused of having a mobile phone in circumstances that lead to the reasonable suggestion it was used in connection with terrorism.

Police told the court that the charge relates to claims of responsibility made by the Real IRA in September 2009 for pipe bomb attacks and a shooting on the 11 September.

Donnelly was arrested on the back of statements made by journalist Eamonn MacDermott who had received the claim of responsibility.

Donnelly’s defence team told the court that MacDermott had told police that it was not Donnelly who had made the call claiming responsibility for the attacks.

Donnelly was released on bail of £1,000 and ordered to appear in court again on 20 September.

He must observe a curfew between 11pm and 8am, or face being taken into police custody.