An alleged New IRA commander charged in connection with the attempted murder of DCI John Caldwell has appeared in court following a breach of bail.
Alan Lundy (45) from Flax Street, Belfast but bailed to an address in Galbally, Co Tyrone, is the most recent person to be charged over the attempt to kill the senior police officer as he coached a youth football team on February 22 2023.
He is also accused of preparing for terrorist acts and is the only person of the 14 defendants allegedly involved to be charged with directing a terrorist organisation.
Lundy, who was previously granted bail at the High Court under strict conditions, appeared before a special sitting of Dungannon Magistrates Court on Saturday morning.
Although refused bail following his arrest, Lundy was later released by the High Court on strict terms.
But he found himself before a special sitting of Dungannon Magistrates Court on Saturday morning following the breach of his bail condition.
A detective sergeant explained Lundy had his bail varied to allow him to attend a funeral, however his G4S tag activated when he failed to return to his bail address.
Police arrived at the property and a search showed Lundy was not there.
He was later detected at his mother’s home in Belfast at around 4am and arrested.
The detective said no explanation was provided for this while in custody, although it transpired there was a mix up in transport and Lundy felt he had no option but to spend the night in Belfast.
Objecting to bail she described the attack on DCI Caldwell as: “A pre-planned and sophisticated operation by those dedicated to violence.
“There are substantial grounds to suspect further offences will occur and they will be grave.
“The defendant is of a mind-set and association sympathetic to violent dissident republican activity, the current threat level is severe.
The defence argued: “This is a rehearsal of all which was heard at the High Court who saw fit to grant bail.
“It’s a matter of law that bail must be granted as there is nothing whatsoever as to why this breach means he is now not suitable for release.”
District Judge Alana McSorley retorted: “Because he breached it and that’s accepted.”
However she agreed to release Lundy on the basis this was the first breach since bail was granted and he had engaged fully with police ahead of seeking the variation.
He will appear again with all co-accused at Omagh Magistrates Court on 8 October.
