Two accused of extortion bid

Two Belfast men appeared in court today charged with attempting to extort money from a building site for loyalist paramilitaries.

Brian Gould, (aged 37), of Walnut Street in the Donegall Pass area of Belfast and Stephen Boyd, also (aged 37), of Vernon Street in the Donegall Pass area, both denied the charges, Belfast Magistrates Court heard.

The two men were charged with demanding £2,000 (€2,885) with menaces between January 31 and March 22 this year.

They were further charged at between the same dates of inviting another person to provide money that may be used for terrorist purposes.

The offences are alleged to have taken place at a building site in Maryville Street in the Donegall Pass area.

A detective constable told the court that when charged Boyd replied: “I am innocent of all charges.”

Gould replied: “No.”

The officer told the court he believed he could connect both men to the charges.

The defendants were remanded in custody for four weeks to reappear at the same court.