A Belfast man was charged at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin yesterday with the capital murder of a garda 16 years ago. Mr Sean "Bap" Hughes (40), a father of three, of Albert Terrace, Belfast, was charged with murdering Garda Patrick Reynolds at Avonbeg Gardens, Tallaght, Co Dublin, on February 20th, 1982. The charge, on conviction, carries a mandatory sentence of 40 years' imprisonment without remission.
Mr Hughes was also charged with the robbery of the Bank of Ireland in Askeaton, Co Limerick, and stealing £62,100, on February 18th, 1982, and receiving £53,000 knowing it to have been stolen between February 17th and 21st, 1982. He also faces charges of possessing arms and ammunition with intent to endanger life and for an unlawful purpose, at Avonbeg Gardens, Tallaght, on February 20th, 1982. Mr Hughes was remanded in custody until October 6th.