McGuinness' brother-in-law facing criminal charges

A brother-in-law of the North's deputy first minister in waiting appeared in court today charged in connection with a cross border kidnapping and assault.

Marvin Canning, 45, is the brother of Sinn Féin chief negotiator Martin McGuinness's wife, Bernie.

He appeared in Derry Magistrates' Court facing seven charges linked to the kidnap and assault of a man and woman who were snatched from their home at Mullingar, Co Westmeath, earlier this week.

The victims were found in the early hours of Tuesday morning lying battered and bleeding in a street in the nationalist Creggan area of Derry. The man had also been shot in the lower legs.

Canning, of Glendara, Derry, was charged with the false imprisonment of Brendan Cranston, the kidnap of Mr Cranston and with causing him grievous bodily harm.

He was further charged with the kidnap of Linda Docherty, falsely imprisoning and assaulting her and causing her grievous bodily harm with intent.

He faced a further charge of possessing a firearm with intent.

A detective constable told the court he had arrested, charged and cautioned the defendant at Strand Road police station last night and believe he could connect him to the charges.

Questioned by defence solicitor Paddy McDermott, he agreed that the evidence against Mr Canning was of an identification nature and that the defendant had denied any connection with the alleged offences during seven police interviews.

The accused was remanded in custody to reappear at the same court by a video link on May 24.

A crowd of supporters gathered outside the court building when Canning was driven to the hearing in the back of a police van.

He turned and gave them a clenched fist salute as he was led into the court building.

Later Mr McGuinness, who confirmed he was Canning's brother-in-law, said he unequivocally condemned the abduction and brutal attack of a man and woman in Derry.

Mr McGuinness said: "Whoever carried out this attack I absolutely and unequivocally condemn it. Such attacks have no place in our society.

"Those responsible must be made accountable through the courts."