Dissident accused freed on bail

A Co Galway man arrested during garda investigations into dissident terrorist activity was freed on bail by the Special Criminal Court in Dublin today.

Thomas Hughes (aged 40), of An Tuairin, Dublin Road, Tuam, Co Galway was charged last month with the unlawful possession of an explosive substance, ammonium nitrate, at One Hundred Acres, Monivea, Co Galway on January 24.

He was also charged with the unlawful possession of a revolver and 62 rounds of ammunition at An Tuairin, Tuam. Co Galway on January 26.

Today the court freed him on his own bond of €20,000, ordered him to sign on three times a week at Tuam Garda Station, to surrender his passport and not to associate with anyone convicted of or charged with a scheduled offence.

Last week his co accused Thomas Coffey (aged 47), of One Hundred Acres, Monivea, Athenry, Co Galway who is charged with the unlawful possession of an explosive substance, ammonium nitrate, at One Hundred Acres, Monivea on January 26 and with the unlawful possession of a revolver and five rounds of ammunition at the same address on the same date was also freed on bail.

Both men have been remanded on bail until April 8 next.