Men charged in connection with Caldwell attack refused bail

TWO Tyrone men facing charges connected to the attempted murder of Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell have been remanded in custody.

Caoimhin Murphy (25), of Altowen Park, Coalisland, and Liam Robinson (45), of Ardstewart, Stewartstown, appeared before Dungannon Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

They are accused of Preparation of Terrorist Acts and Perverting the Course of Justice.

The charges relate to the alleged movement and disposal of multiple vehicles believed to be linked to the attack on DCI Caldwell at Youth Sport Omagh in February 2023.

Detective Sergeant Hare told the court the men were connected to the case through mobile phone activity, CCTV footage, and a series of alleged ‘walk and talk’ meetings with others suspected of New IRA links. Police also cited phone and video calls between various suspects on social media platforms.

Fresh evidence was also presented in what is believed to have been a previous attempt of an attack on DCI Caldwell on Wednesday February 1, when two vehicles believed to be linked to the suspects were seeing entering the car park of Youth Sport in Omagh where the attack took place three weeks later. Ahead of what this, both vehicles had been spotted leaving the Coalisland area whilst further evidence suggested that Murphy’s mobile phone had been inactive on the night in question.

In defending Murphy, Peter Corrigan of Phoenix Law argued there was no forensic evidence linking either man to the offences.

District Judge Rafferty praised the ‘exemplary’ quality of submissions from both prosecution and defence, but said he was satisfied the men could be connected to the case.

Robinson was refused bail on grounds of risk of reoffending and absconding, with police noting he is also under investigation for other alleged New IRA activity.

Murphy’s bail address is still being assessed, and his application will be reviewed on August 20 at Dungannon Magistrates Court. Robinson will next appear before Omagh Magistrates Court on September 2.