Man remanded in custody on UVF membership charge

DNA tests are to be carried out on leaflets seized during a raid on the home of a suspected Ulster Volunteer Force member, a court heard today.

Edwin William Murphy, a 40-year-old fitter from Drumtara in Ballymena, Co Antrim, has been accused of being in the outlawed loyalist paramilitary organisation.

When charged by police in the town yesterday, he replied: “Definitely not.”

But Detective Constable David Harper told a special sitting of Ballymena Magistrates Court he could connect him with the offence.

During cross-examination by a defence solicitor, the officer said Murphy had gone to a police station voluntarily two days after his flat was searched.

Asked if the only evidence against the accused was handouts found in a bag seized by police, Mr Harper replied: “That’s correct. Those items have still to be sent to forensics for DNA testing.”

Murphy, who spoke only to confirm his name during the 10-minute hearing was remanded in custody until September 15.

But his lawyer confirmed he would be applying for high court bail as soon as possible.