Two rifles were found hidden inside a trailer at a Crossmaglen farm, Belfast Crown Court heard yesterday
The court that an RUC unit went to the farm of Mr Michael Kearns on April 11th, 1997, to carry out a search following the arrest of four men the previous day. The four - Mr Michael McGinn (41), Henry Street, Castleblayney; Mr Michael Caraher (31), Kiltybane Road, Cullyhanna; Mr Martin Mines (30), Tullydonnell, Silverbridge: and Mr James McArdle (30), of Lurgan Road, Crossmaglen - are on trial charged with possessing the two rifles, a sniper's sight and ammunition, and conspiracy to murder.
Mr McGinn alone is accused of the sniper murders of Lance Cpl Stephen Restorick in Bessbrook on February 12th, 1997, Lance Bombardier Paul Garrett at Keady on December 2nd, 1993, and the murder of former UDR man Mr Thomas Johnston on August 19th, 1978. Mr Kearns (58), on whose farm the weapons were found, is accused of making property available to terrorists. The hearing continues today.