A man has been remanded in custody after he was charged in connection with the investigation into the murder of PSNI constable Ronan Kerr in Omagh three weeks ago.
Gavin Coyle (33) from Culmore Road, Omagh, Co Tyrone, was before Dungannon Magistrates’ Court accused of a series of terror-related offences.
Mr Coyle was charged with possession of firearms and explosives with intent to endanger life and possession of articles likely to be of use in terrorism.
The charges relate to the discovery of a major weapons find in Coalisland shortly after Mr Kerr's murder.
A senior police officer told District Judge Barney McElhome that a footwear expert had linked a print found at the lock up garages on the Mountjoy Road with one taken from the accused’s house.
“I wouldn’t say it is the only evidence,” said the female detective inspector. “We have other evidence.”
The policewoman said CCTV footage had also been seized as part of the investigation and that Mr Coyle had been identified in two identity parades while in custody.
He is accused of possessing Semtex, rocket propellant, eight detonators, a quantity of improvised timers and power units, home made grenade initiators, a quantity of improvised incendiary devices, four AK assault rifles, six loaded magazines and a quantity of ammunition.
He was also charged with possessing articles likely to be of use to terrorists, namely two mobile phones and four cars. The offences are alleged to have taken place between May last year and this month.
Amid a heavy security presence inside court, Mr Coyle spoke just once during the seven minute hearing, answering "yes" when asked if he understood the charges facing him.
Wearing a lime green T-shirt, he waved to relatives and friends in the public gallery as he stood between two police
officers.
The detective inspector said Mr Coyle made no reply when the charges were put to him on Thursday.
She said the investigation following Constable Kerr's murder had been well resourced and at one stage involved more than 100 detectives.
Mr Coyle was remanded in custody for four weeks. Mr Coyle is the first individual to be charged. Two others were released earlier this week.
PA