Derryman refused bail on gun charges

A man in custody for possessing a rifle with intent to endanger life last August was refused bail at today’s sitting of Derry Magistrate’s Court.
44 year old Tony Taylor of Bishop Street in Derry is charged along with 24 year old Mark Kerr of Carranbane Walk in the city with possessing the weapon on August 2nd last.
The court was told today that five items had been sent to England for forensic tests. Following this three items, a rifle, a handgun and a timer were sent for further tests. A report is not expected until the end of April.
Mr Kerr’s solicitor said that the situation was not satisfactory and that it was eight months since his client had been arrested. Meanwhile, in making a bail application, a solicitor for Taylor said that there was no evidence against his client and that every time something was put forward ‘it melts away.’
He said that they were fighting to prove their client’s innocence when it should be the prosecution who prove guilt.
The prosecution barrister said that there had been fingerprints found on a plastic bag that was connected to the bag the gun was found in. Both defence solicitors said that this had not been disclosed to them prior to the court sitting.
District Judge Barney McElholm refused bail saying that he felt a case had been established.
He remanded both men in custody to appear again on April 30, saying he wants a full update on that date.
 

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement