Man accused of New IRA threats denied permission to move to Dungiven due to 'fear of repercussions' in area

A County Derry man, who is facing charges linked to threats against drug dealers and users in Dungiven, has been denied permission to live in the town due to locals being fearful of 'reprisals'.

Dermot Burke's solicitor Paddy McGurk applied for a bail variation during this morning's sitting of Limavady Magistrates' Court.

The application was to allow 59 year-old Burke to reside at a property in Hass Road, Dungiven, where his wife is living.

Burke is accused of belonging to or professing to belong to a proscribed organisation, namely the IRA.

He is further charged with possession of a handgun with intent to cause fear or violence and possession of an offensive weapon, namely an iron bar in a public place.

The alleged offences are connected to an incident which happened in Dungiven on January 19 2024, during which three masked individuals entered numerous bars and a GAA club in the town claiming they were from the New IRA and gave verbal warnings and threats about drug activity in the area.

During this morning's hearing, Mr McGurk said that Burke, whose address was given on court papers as Drum Road, Dungiven, is currently residing in the Foreglen area however 'he suffers from depression and anxiety' and is 'seeking the comfort' of having his family around him.

A detective constable told the court that police deem the proposed address in Dungiven to be inappropriate as it is in close proximity to St Canice GAA Club.

The detective said that during the course of officers gathering extra material for the upcoming preliminary enquiry, they have established that there is still a 'very real fear of repercussions' in the local area.

District Judge Peter King refused the application stating that people are still fearful of 'reprisals'.

The case is due back before the court on March 12.