UTV News - Rifles seized in Derry bomb probe

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Rifles seized in Derry bomb probe

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Police investigating a bomb attack at Strand Road police station in Londonderry have recovered guns and ammunition.
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Two rifles, 100 rounds of ammunition, mobile phones and balaclavas were discovered by officers in various locations across the city over the last few days, police have said.

The objects are now being forensically examined.

Earlier on Friday, a man charged in connection with the attack was remanded in custody.

Phillip O'Donnell, a joiner from Baldrick Crescent in the Rosemount area of the city, is accused of 12 offences, including causing an explosion likely to endanger life or of causing serious injury, possessing explosives and membership of Oglaigh na hEireann.

The 42-year-old father of four is also accused of the false imprisonment of a taxi driver and hijacking the taxi which was used to deliver the 200lb proxy bomb earlier this month.

His wife and other family members and friends were in court for the hearing at Bishop Street on Friday.

A PSNI officer told the court that forensic and other evidence had been collected, including two mobile phones which are described as highly relevant. They were recovered during searches at O'Donnell's home.

Chief Inspector Ian Magee, who told the court he could connect the defendant to the 12 charges, said he was opposed to bail being granted because of the serious nature of the charges, and because he believed the defendant would flee the jurisdiction.

Mr Magee also told District Judge Barney McElholm he believed the defendant, who has a conviction for hijacking and possessing an offensive weapon dating back to 1988, would interfere with witnesses who have yet to be interviewed by detectives.

Cross-examined by defence solicitor Paddy MacDermott, the police officer said the evidence against the defendant was "forensic and other evidence".

O'Donnell refused to answer in court when asked if he understood the charges.

A solicitor said during six days of police questioning O'Donnell consistently denied them.

Applying for bail, Mr MacDermott said his client, who was arrested at his home last week, "has health issues and only walks with difficulty. His health issues require constant care".

He said the defendant faced a lengthy period on remand until the forensic and technical investigations by the police were finalised.

Refusing bail, the judge described the charges as "very serious" and "related to a very serious incident recently".

He remanded O'Donnell in custody to appear in court again for a video link hearing on 2 September.

Judge Barry McElholm said he hoped the police's forensic investigators would prioritise the case.

A 53-year-old man is still being questioned by detectives in connection with the attack.

© UTV News

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At 04:01 on 24 August 2010, opinion wrote:
at the end of the day.. dosnt matter what happens it will never go back to the days of the troubles.. no ones fighting for peace alone its a united ireland they want! an we deserve it!. and if anyone asks me where im from im from derry an i say it proud no one will ever make feel scared about sayin where i come from!
At 23:48 on 15 August 2010, opinion wrote:
.. there will never be a united Ireland , Ireland will never be at piece .. this bomb attack has scared many people of Derry /Londonderry. most people are scared to say Londonderry/ Derry in case they get a battering end up in hospital or maybe end up dead ! what do these men that are planting the bombs want to happen to this country ? do they want to go back into the troubles ? to scar the children of the societies for life having their friends pulled from classes in schools and never seeing them again , to see people getting shot in front of them , do you want your child to be brought up in this ? because i certainly don't !!
At 21:57 on 13 August 2010, colin wrote:
someone is singing like a bird. HAPPY DAYS.
At 12:55 on 13 August 2010, .. wrote:
hes not guilty.. puttin chargers on a innocent man cause he supports an wants a united ireland
At 12:35 on 13 August 2010, Dave is stupid? wrote:
Dave: how do you know that this individual is guilty? Do you have access to the prosecution's case or the judges' mindset?
At 12:34 on 13 August 2010, Geedawg wrote:
Even if this person is going to be found guilty he will be let out with the current Judicial system he'll be on the streets before you can say 'they haven't gone away you know'
At 11:43 on 13 August 2010, Seán M wrote:
This is fantastic news. If guilty, I hope this individual is locked up for a very very long time.
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