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A man alleged to have provided cars used to assist in the attempted assassination of DCI John Caldwell is to be released on bail.
Following the ruling of a High Court judge yesterday (Friday), it was decided that John Gallagher, 45, had a unique compared to others charged in connection with the attempted hit on the senior PSNI officer.
Mr Justice O’Hara said, “The applicant’s involvement in the supply of a car which appears to have been used in this attempted murder is highly suspicious, but on the basis of what I have heard this may well not be the full story.
“It may turn out to be less sinister than is suggested currently.”
DCI Caldwell was shot numerous in February of this year in front of his son and a number of other young boys that just finished football training.
The gunmen made their getaway in a Ford Fiesta, which was burned out later that night.
The New IRA claimed responsibility for the shooting, but police believe other organised crime groups to have been involved as well.
Detectives investigating are of the belief that three cars were used in the operation, including a second Ford Fiesta transported to Omagh.
Gallagher, of Church Drive in Newtownabbey, Co Antrim, refutes allegations that he took part in the preparation of terrorist acts by obtaining and holding the car.
Gallagher, who the judge said has no apparent links to dissident republicanism or organised crime, faces further counts of possessing articles and providing the Fiesta for the purposes of terrorism.
Prosecutors say two other men played a part in transporting the vehicle from Belfast towards Omagh.
Seven other men have been charged with the attempted murder of DCI Caldwell.
The court prohibited Gallagher from entering Omagh and ordered him to allow police full access to his mobile phone as part of his bail terms.
In one final instruction, Mr Justice O’Hara said, “You are not to attempt to see, speak to, or in any other way contact DCI Caldwell directly or indirectly.”
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