Donegal man wanted in North on terrorism charges appears in High Court

A Co Donegal man wanted in Northern Ireland for allegedly engaging in terrorist activities, including being a member of a dissident republican group, has appeared before the High Court in Dublin.

The extradition of Brendan Emmet Casey (42) is sought on a total of six charges, including conspiring to possess explosives and firearms with the intent to endanger life and cause damage.

He is also accused of engaging in conduct in preparation for acts of terrorism, and attending at a place used for terrorist training, receiving training in how to make and use explosives for use in terrorism and being a membership of a prescribed organisation, namely the Irish Republican Army.

The alleged offences are said to have taken place on dates between August and November 2014 at Ardcarn Park, Newry, during meetings held by key members of a dissident republican group, believed to be the Continuity IRA.

The court heard a warrant seeking Mr Casey's surrender states the charges arose after the Police Service of Northern Ireland obtained covert recordings of the meetings.

Explosive devices

It is alleged that at a meeting in September 2014, Mr Casey and others discussed obtaining firearms and ammunition, and making explosive devices.

They spoke about a lack of finances, difficulties in sourcing material such as fertiliser, potential targets and whether they should go after economic or military targets.

It is also alleged that two unnamed others instructed Mr Casey on making a pipe bomb. It is alleged Mr Casey suggested he was in possession of firearms and ammunition, and could source additional weapons.

If convicted, Mr Casey faces a maximum sentence ranging between 10 years to life imprisonment.

Mr Casey, with an address at Ernedale Heights, Ballyshannon, Co Donegal, appeared before Mr Justice Richard Humphreys during Friday's vacation sitting of the High Court.

Det Sgt Jim Kirwan of the Garda Extradition Unit said he arrested Mr Casey on Thursday evening on foot of an EU-UK surrender warrant, issued by Belfast Magistrates Court in July.

He told the court that when he asked Mr Casey if he knew what the charges were about, he replied “yes”.

No application was made for bail and the judge remanded Mr Casey in custody to appear before the High Court later this month.