Court hears Bobby Tohill’s abduction was 'not paramilitary'

A Court in Northern Ireland has heard the claim that the alleged abduction of republican dissident Bobby Tohill in February was not connected to any paramilitary group.

The PSNI chief constable blamed the IRA for the abduction and caused a political storm with both the Irish and British governments demanding the IRA cease all paramilitary activity.

The claim that the alleged abduction and assault was domestic rather than paramilitary came during a bail application on behalf of Thomas Tolan, who was charged with false imprisonment and causing grievous bodily harm.

His lawyer has said two of the other three men charged were cousins of Bobby Tohill's and also related to Mr Tolan through marriage.

A Crown lawyer disputed the claims and said all four men were believed to be connected to an illegal organisation on ceasefire. The bail application was adjourned until this afternoon to hear from Tommy Tolan's wife.