A Co Meath resident arrested in connection with a bomb attack on Newry courthouse four years ago was charged with IRA membership before the non-jury Special Criminal Court this morning.
Darren Weldon (43) was arrested on Tuesday by members of the special detective Unit as part of an investigation in to the attack on Newry courthouse on February 22nd, 2010.
A large car bomb exploded outside the building, damaging the gate of the courthouse, as police officers were evacuating the area after a warning.
Mr Weldon, with an address at Drinadaly, Trim, was this morning charged with membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Óglaigh na hÉireann, otherwise the IRA on October 14th last.
Detective Garda Kieran Regan told State Solicitor Mr Liam Mulholland that he formally arrested Darren Weldon shortly at 7pm yesterday evening on Mellowes Road, Finglas, Dublin 11.
At the time he believed the accused man had committed the offence for which he was arrested, he said.
Det Gda Regan said when he met Mr Weldon in the precincts of the court this morning and cautioned him, the accused man replied: “I’d just like to state that I am not now and never have been a member of the IRA.”
Mr Mulholland told the court that the application was for a remand in custody until next Tuesday.
Lawyers for Mr Weldon said it was anticipated there would be applications for bail and legal aid at the next hearing.
Presiding judge Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan, sitting with Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy and Judge Margaret Heneghan, remanded Mr Weldon in custody to appear before the court again on October 21st.