Mr Mark Fulton, a prominent loyalist, appeared at a special court in Craigavon yesterday on arms charges.
Mr Fulton (38), unemployed, of Hobson Park, Portadown, Co Armagh, was charged with having a MAB semi-automatic pistol with a loaded magazine and ammunition with intent to endanger life or cause serious injury to property or to enable another to do so on December 5th. A second charge alleged that on the same date he was in possession of a firearm with intent to cause Mr Scott Todd to believe violence would be used against him or another person.
An RUC detective sergeant said that when arrested, charged and cautioned, Mr Fulton replied to the first charge: "I have already gave a full account reference that evening, and not guilty to the charge", and in reply to the second charge, Mr Fulton said: "I have already gave a full and detailed account, not guilty".
The witness, who said he believed he could connect Mr Fulton to both charges, said his inquiries were not complete. The magistrate, Mr Ken Nixon, remanded Mr Fulton in custody to a court sitting in the Maze prison on December 30th.
Mr Gabriel Ingram, defence solicitor, said an application for bail would be made in the High Court.