A man charged in connection with the claim of responsibility for the shooting of Detective Chief Inspector (Det Ch Insp) John Caldwell has been denied a request to vary his bail conditions, which would have allowed him to attend the gym and spend time with his family.
Tiernan McFadden, a 26-year-old facing charges related to possessing a document associated with terrorism, specifically a claim of responsibility for the shooting, had sought an extension of his curfew in Londonderry Magistrates’ Court.
Det Ch Insp Caldwell was the victim of a shooting in Omagh. The incident occurred while he was off duty, loading footballs into his car after a youth football coaching session on February 22.
Mr. McFadden’s lawyer argued for the extension of his curfew, emphasizing the importance of family time. However, the police opposed the extension, presenting evidence that Mr. McFadden, hailing from Carnhill in Londonderry, played a significant role in the youth wing of Saoradh, a group alleged to be a front for the New IRA.
According to a police officer, Mr. McFadden organized meetings and events for the youth wing and sought the extension to engage in such activities. Police authorities believed that this group recruited young people for “community activities,” potentially facilitating recruitment into the New IRA.
Additionally, the police officer indicated that they believed Mr. McFadden had been the primary figure behind the claim of responsibility, which was discovered on a piece of paper affixed to a wall in the Creggan area of Derry on February 26.
District Judge Barney McElholm dismissed the variation in bail, underlining that Mr. McFadden’s partner had recently given birth, emphasizing the importance of spending time with her and their child rather than attending the gym.
The case surrounding the shooting of Det Ch Insp John Caldwell remains ongoing, with Mr. McFadden’s alleged involvement continuing to be a focal point of the investigation.
