Accused fired gun when leaving victim's house, court hears

One of two men accused of attempting to murder a trainee police recruit shot his gun as he came under fire from undercover officers, a court heard today.

Gerard James McManus (aged 26) is alleged to have discharged his weapon as he fled from the home of the student officer in the border village of Garrison in Co Fermanagh when plain clothes officers arrived on Saturday night.

He appeared at Dungannon Magistrates' Court this morning along with his co-accused, 32-year-old Kevin Barry Nolan.

As well as the attempted murder charge McManus, from Fernhill in the Co Donegal town of Letterkenny, and Nolan, from Main Street, Black Lion, Co Cavan, also face counts of possessing a weapon and ammunition with intent to endanger life.

Shaven-headed McManus, who appeared in the dock wearing a blue T-shirt and glasses, is additionally charged with using a firearm to resist arrest.

Police Detective Sergeant Ronnie Gibson told District Judge Bernie Kelly that he could connect both men with all of the charges.

McManus's lawyer, Peter Corrigan, asked the investigating officer whether his client had only fired when fired upon by the plain clothes police.

He added that the accused had not shot at any of the officers.

"Whilst he was leaving the scene shots were fired at him and then he fired away from the undercover police officers, "he said.

DS Gibson said that account was the version of events McManus had given when questioned.

Despite repeated queries by Mr Corrigan, the detective said he was not in a position to confirm whether Army surveillance officers were involved in any part of the operation leading up to the arrests on Saturday.

McManus and Nolan, who was wearing a grey jumper and blue shirt, did not speak during the brief hearing, only nodding to confirm their identity.

Both were remanded in custody to appear via videolink at Enniskillen Magistrates' Court next month.