A cheque book belonging to Gen John de Chastelin, chairman of the decommissioning body, was allegedly stolen from his Belfast hotel room last weekend. A lap-top computer and a briefcase were also allegedly taken from the Europa Hotel.
Yesterday, two men appeared at Belfast Magistrates court on charges linked to the burglary. Mr Alexander McCausland (21), of no fixed address, and Mr Damien Green (33), of Mountview Place, Belfast, were charged with burglary, receiving stolen goods and dishonestly obtaining £250 by cashing two of the general's stolen cheques. Mr Green faces a further charge of obtaining £120 by cashing a third cheque.
A detective confirmed to Mr Jim Sheridan, defending, that the RUC did not believe there was anything sinister behind the alleged burglary.
The pair were remanded until Wednesday on their own bail of £500 and sureties of £1,000. They were ordered to stay out of Belfast.