Two remanded on weapon charges in North

Two men were remanded in custody in Northern Ireland today charged with possession of an Uzi submachine gun.

Anthony Notorantonio, 43, and Robert James Hughes, 32, were also alleged to have had two magazines and 20 rounds of ammunition with intent to endanger life or cause serious injury to property.

The two men, who were arrested when police stopped the car near Moira, Co Down, on Wednesday night were also charged with possession of information likely to be of use to terrorists, namely a piece of paper with a vehicle registration number on it.

Both deny the charges.

An RUC detective constable told Lisburn Magistrates Court, Co Antrim, that he believed he could connect Notorantonio, unemployed, from Whitecliff Parade, Belfast, with the charges.

He said he also believed he could connect Hughes, unemployed, of Ballymurphy Drive in the city, to the alleged offences.

However, Hughes’s solicitor Leo Morrison asked: ‘‘Is it correct to say that during interviews Mr Hughes totally denied any knowledge of the items allegedly found in the motor vehicle?’’

The officer replied: ‘‘That is correct.’’

Mr Morrison continued: ‘‘Is it also correct to say that that was borne out by his co-accused during interview?’’

The constable answered: ‘‘That is also correct.’’

The two men were remanded in custody to appear before the same court by video link on Tuesday, October 30.

Both waved at friends and relatives in the public gallery as they were led away.