Six loyalist terrorist suspects tried to hound an undercover police officer posing as an ice-cream man out of a Northern Ireland housing estate, a court heard today.
The men, all accused of belonging to the outlawed Ulster Defence Association, face charges including ordering a detective not to operate in the area, issuing threats and trying to destroy his van. One was also allegedly caught with bomb-making equipment.
All six, who have addresses in Carrickfergus, Co Antrim, deny the charges against them.
But a detective involved in the investigation told Belfast Magistrates Court definite threats of violence had been made to the covert officer named only as "John". He said: "It was made very clear to him [the undercover officer] that he was not to work in that area.
"They say they are not part of a paramilitary organisation. However the intimidatory nature made it very clear that this person was dealing with paramilitaries."
The undercover detective, masquerading as an ice-cream man, went into the town's Castlemara estate but was soon allegedly confronted by loyalist paramilitaries.
In court Mr Thompson Gilmore (32), unemployed, of Castlemara Drive, and Mr George Gilmore (30) an ice-cream man from Sullatbber Square, were accused of threatening the officer against selling ice-cream, forcing him to stop operating and membership of the UDA.
Mr John Millar (39) of Castlemara Walk, Mr Glen Murray (27) of Carnhill Walk, Mark Gourley (31) from Dean Park and 19-year-old Thomas McCrea of Carnhill Walk were all accused of attempting to maliciously wound the officer, trying to damage or destroy his van and UDA membership.
Mr Murray also faced a fourth charge of possessing an explosive substance used in the making of pipe bombs.
Legal representatives for the accused also pointed out their clients had made no admissions and that the evidence against them involved video footage which they would be challenging.
All six were remanded in custody to appear again on December 19th, although bail applications were expected to be lodged at the High Court next week.
PA