Mark Cassidy Pix North West News Pix
A FORMER Irish Army soldier from Derry has been remanded in custody charged with planting a bomb which exploded under a car in Letterkenny.
Mark Cassidy, (30), from Ballyderowen, Burnfoot appeared before Letterkenny District Court today.
He faced two charges relating to an explosion under a vehicle parked outside a house in Manor View Park, Long Lane, Letterkenny on November 22, 2013.
The blast caused damage to the house and car belonging to 60-year-old Alan Coyle.
Garda Detective Sergeant Mick Galvin told Judge Paul Kelly that he arrested Cassidy at Letterkenny court house at 10.15am today.
He charged Cassidy with possession of explosives at Manorview Park, Letterkenny on November 22, 2013.
He also charged him with possession of an improvised explosive device causing damage to No 22 Manorview Park and a Mitsubishi Jeep and possessing the device in a way which was likely to endanger the lives of Alan Coyle, Geraldine Coyle and Katie Coyle.
When two charges were put to him, DS Galvin said Cassidy had said “no reply” to each of the charges.
Garda Inspector Michael Harrison told the judge that the alleged offences came under the terms of the Offences Against the State Act.
However, he said, the Director of Public Prosecutions had decided the case should be heard before the Circuit Court and not the non-jury Special Criminal Court.
Defence solicitor Patsy Gallagher asked if the book of evidence could be presented within four weeks.
There was no application for bail.
Judge Kelly remanded Cassidy in custody to appear again via video link at Letterkenny District Court next Monday.
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