A youth accused of "Real IRA" membership had a videotape used in bomb-making operations, a court heard yesterday.
The 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was allegedly also in possession of equipment used to assemble explosives when police swooped.
The unemployed youth, from Strabane, was among five people arrested in the Co Tyrone town by detectives investigating threats from the dissident terrorist group against Catholic members of policing boards in Northern Ireland.
Three members of the monitoring bodies have now stood down amid fears for their lives.
The accused made no reply as three charges were read out during a special sitting of Omagh Magistrates' Court.
He was accused of either being a member of, or claiming to be in, the "Real IRA" between December 1st, 2001, and September 20th, 2003.
The republican group has warned all Catholics on the District Policing Partnerships that they are legitimate targets.
Const Graeme Craig told the court the accused made no reply when charged, but the detective said he believed he could connect him with the offences.
Questioning the detective, a defence solicitor asked him to confirm that his client had provided an explanation for all the materials suspected of being used to assemble explosives.
The lawyer added: "He stated that he was not a member of any illegal organisation, he was not involved in any illegal activity and that the video shown to him was a joke."
Const Craig confirmed that that was correct.
The youth was remanded in custody until October 7th. - (PA)