Louth men plead not guilty to possession of explosives

Two Louth men charged with the possession of explosive substances have pleaded not guilty to the offence on the eve of their trial at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin.

Conan Murphy (aged 23), with an address at Plaster, Mount Pleasant, Dundalk, Co Louth, pleaded not guilty to the possession of an improvised trailer and two gas cylinders adapted to cause an explosion at Aghaboys, Mount Pleasant on May 22, 2010.

56-year-old Philip McKevitt of Aghaboys, Mount Pleasant, also pleaded not guilty to the same offence at his home on the same date.

Counsel for the State, Mr Paul Greene SC, asked that the trial of the two men, which was due to begin today, be delayed for another day to allow time for the disclosure of new evidence.

Presiding judge Mr Justice Paul Butler remanded both men on continuing bail and fixed trial for tomorrow, November 30.