A CO ARMAGH farmer arrested when the RUC and soldiers seized a super sniper's rifle in a Crossmaglen farmyard last month, was refused bail in the High Court in Belfast yesterday.
Mr Martin Mines (28), of Glassdrummond Road, Crossmaglen, who has been in custody since April 17th, is facing a conspiracy to murder charge, possession of firearms, including a Barratt light 50 sniper's rifle, and membership of the IRA.
Turning down his bail application his, Lord Justice McCollum said the sniper's rifle which had been found had a certain notoriety in Northern Ireland and was of the type used to murder people from a long range. He believed at this stage there was a serious risk of the applicant absconding and not turning up to face his trial.
A Crown lawyer said that Mr Mines was one of several men arrested in a hayshed.
As well as the weapons that were found, two cars, one with an armour-plated rear which could protect a gunman, were found, along with a cattle lorry which had a false floor.
Mr Mines, in a statement, had denied knowledge of the weapons and said he was not in any illegal organisation or engaged In any illegal activity.
The lawyer said he did not think Mr Mines would stay in Northern Ireland to face his trial if released and that there was also the risk he might commit further offences.
A defence lawyer said Mr Mines had denied all the charges and involvement with any weapons found. He and a brother worked with their father on the family farm and there was no likelihood of him leaving the jurisdiction of Northern Ireland.
. One of the other men arrested with Mr Mines was charged at a Banbridge Court last month with three murders, including the killing of a British soldier, Stephen Restorick.