Gym owner Darren Service accused of driving gunmen to scene of hijacking linked to loyalist paramilitaries
Based on disputed CCTV evidence, prosecutors claim Mr Service escorted the two men to the location where the workman was first threatened.
The accused, of Ballysillan Road in Belfast, remains in custody on charges of preparation of terrorist acts, hijacking and placing an article causing a bomb hoax in the vicinity of the Houben Centre at Holy Cross Church. Mr Service, who owns three gym businesses, appeared remotely at Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Thursday for a preliminary enquiry into the strength of the allegations.
During the brief hearing, he confirmed that he understood the allegations but declined to give evidence or call any witnesses at this stage. Defence counsel Joseph O’Keeffe did not contest submissions stating that there is a prima facie case against his client. Granting the prosecution’s application, District Judge Anne Marshall told Mr Service: “You will be returned for trial at Belfast Crown Court.With no application for bail, he was remanded in custody until his next court appearance.
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