Two men charged in connection with a republican arms find in south Belfast today denied possessing the haul which included thousands of rounds of ammunition.
Mr Stephen Harte (33), unemployed from Dermot Hill Parade, Belfast, pleaded not guilty to possessing five timer power units for use in an explosion and also possessing weapons and ammunition - including a Romanian AKM rifle, a Derringer pistol, five starting pistols and about 5,000-6,000 rounds ammunition - with intent to endanger life or damage property.
Belfast Magistrates Court heard that Mr Francis Mackin (42) of Sultan Way in the city, a barman, denied the same charges.
The arms find in Essex Street in south Belfast last Saturday was linked to the Provisional IRA and came as efforts continued to end all paramilitary activity.
Unionists have called on republicans to explain the find and commit themselves to an end of all paramilitary activity.
Mr Harte and Mr Mackin were remanded in custody until April 15th where they will appear before the court again by video link.
PA