Prominent Derry Republican charged with directing terrorism

A man described as being ‘in a prominent position in the IRA’ in Derry has appeared in court charged with directing terrorism.
38 year old Thomas Ashe Mellon of Rathmor Road in Derry appeared amidst a tight security presence at Derry’s Bishop Street courthouse. He was charged with membership of the IRA and directing terrorism on dates unknown until June 5. A police officer, Detective Constable Funston, connected Mellon to the charges and opposed bail.
Judge Barney McElholm said there was a prima facie case and it was ‘an extremely serious matter’.
The judge said the risk of Mellon re-offending ‘was a real one’ and he refused bail and remanded Mellon in custody to appear again on July 3.
A crowd of supporters applauded Mellon as he was being taken to the cells.