Two women and two men were in court yesterday on charges linked to IRA gun-running from the US.
Three are from Dunloy, Co Antrim - Ms Patricia O'Kane (26), Hillside Avenue; Ms Maria Brogan (27), McCamphill Park, and Mr Paul Scott (34), Bellaghy Park. The fourth defendant is Mr Sean Burns (26), Clonard Place, Belfast.
They were charged at Belfast Magistrates Court with conspiring between January and July, 1999, to make money or other property available to the IRA to facilitate the purchase of firearms, ammunition and other property contrary to the Prevention of Terrorism Act.
A detective sergeant said that when Ms O'Kane was charged she replied: "I am not guilty of this offence. Over three years ago I was questioned by the FBI and a Grand Jury and was not charged. Now three years later the police have decided to charge me on the basis of material they had in their possession since 1999. The delay by police has breached my rights to a fair trial and I strenuously deny the offences."
The officer said Ms Brogan replied: "I am absolutely not guilty of this offence which is based on allegations against my brother who has never been arrested, tried or convicted of any offence of this nature. The police have relied on information they had in their possession for over three years. I have always been available for interview."
The court was told Mr Scott replied: "Not guilty," and Mr Burns said: "The only conspiracy there is, is a political one."
Solicitor Ms Patricia Coyle, appearing for Ms O'Kane and Ms Brogan, asked the officer to confirm there was no forensic evidence to connect Ms O'Kane to eight packages alleged to contain firearms and ammunition.
He replied: "There was no forensic evidence in relation to postage labels attached to the parcels posted in the USA." He said Ms O'Kane was questioned by the FBI about importing firearms on the day her common-law husband was arrested and she testified before a Grand Jury.
Ms Coyle asked why her clients had been arrested this week when the police had information three years ago. The officer said the investigation had been led by the FBI and the PSNI only received the evidence on November 8th.
All four accused were remanded in custody until December 20th but are expected to apply for bail in the High Court.