Man in court on terror charge

A 38-year-old man has appeared in court in Derry charged with having information which is likely to be of use to terrorists.

Mark John Pilling, a community worker, was remanded in custody following a brief hearing.

The court heard that on dates between May 31 and September 7 this year, Pilling had in his possession information of a kind “which is likely to be of use to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism”.

The court heard that when charged with the offence at Waterside police station on Saturday night, Pilling, of Heron Way, Derry, replied: “I gave a proper reason for why I had it in my possession.”

However, a detective constable said he believed he could connect the accused with the charges.

Pilling, who wore a green fleece top during the hearing, was remanded in custody until October 3 to appear in court via a video link.