Alleged dissident terrorist who previously absconded refused bail

AN alleged high-ranking IRA member from Dungannon accused of terrorism-related offences has been refused bail after a judge found the previous record “suggests a mindset deeply aligned to terrorist causes”.

Damien Joseph McLaughlin, from Dungannon, is one of ten people charged following a joint MI5/PSNI surveillance operation into alleged terrorist activity.

He is accused of belonging to the IRA, directing and preparing for acts of terrorism.

Offending allegedly occurred between February and July 2020 and the case revolves around covertly recorded meetings held in a Tyrone house.

The other accused are husband and wife David and Sharon Jordan from Dungannon, along with Kevin Murphy from Coalisland, Amanda McCabe and Shea Reynolds from Lurgan; and Patrick McDaid, Joseph Barr and Gary Hayden from Derry.

Scottish doctor Issam Bassalat (62) is charged with intending or assisting to commit acts of terrorism by attending and addressing an IRA meeting.

He, along with McDaid, Sharon Jordan, McCabe, Hayden and Barr have all since been released on bail.

At the most recent sitting of Dungannon Magistrates Court lawyers for McLaughin mounted a similar application which was opposed.

Prosecution counsel explained the defendant is believed to have attended both meetings and while it is accepted other co-accused have been granted bail there are elements which, “Clearly distinguish him from the others. He faces more charges and has a record for very serious convictions including possessing a firearm and articles for use in terrorism. This related to a 400lb explosive device found in Ardboe which had been dug into a bank.”

In addition, while on bail for different matters but similar terrorist activities, McLaughlin absconded for a time.

The defence said six accused had been released on bail so McLaughlin, “Cannot be differentiated against … His immediate family are willing to provide a £5,000 surety and accommodation. They would have no qualms in contacting police should he breach any conditions. They have been very clear this is a one-time opportunity. The surety is their life savings which they cannot afford to lose. They are willing to put up the deeds of their home and any car registrations books – anything to secure release.”

In respect of McLaughlin previously absconding while on bail the defence said, “It is recognised the court has concerns however the defendant is now committed to all conditions of whatever is deemed necessary.”

However, District Judge Michael Ranaghan refused bail, stating, “There is a very relevant, serious and concerning record which suggests a mindset deeply aligned to terrorist causes. He has previously absconded and gone on the run which was a breach of the court’s trust. That tilts the balance away from granting bail. I find he represents a real risk of flight and further offending and he could not be managed by any conditions imposed.”

It was previously disclosed the recordings suggest discussions of a nature, “Expected at a high-level meeting of a terrorist organisation,” including membership, the role of the IRA and its constitution, military and recruitment strategy, interaction with other terrorist organisations, engineering capabilities and skill sets, weaponry and efforts to build an arsenal.

There was also talk of an international strategy, economic bombing campaigns, planning and resourcing of cyber-attacks, close-quarter shootings of police, internal security such as punishment shootings, torture and thresholds for punishments, media strategy including infiltration and exploitation of third-party groups as well as parades and commemorations.

In another conversation a person referred to firearms held by others in Derry, protection rackets and raising funds by taking action against drug dealers stating, “I honestly don’t see the problem. If you go and f***ing bang a boy and lift whatever’s there, that’s come to us and we’re going to use it. If we have to do whatever to get our f***ing hands on it, then unfortunately, that’s it.”