Accused individual facing charges for allegedly plotting to assassinate a prominent senior PSNI detective will be granted bail.
In a recent court hearing, Liam Robinson, a 45-year-old man from Ardstewart in Stewartstown, Co Tyrone, was granted bail on strict conditions, following charges of preparation of terrorist acts and perverting the course of justice.
The case against Robinson is circumstantial, with evidence pointing towards his alleged involvement in events surrounding a murder plot. John Caldwell, an off-duty PSNI officer who has since retired on medical grounds, was shot and seriously wounded in front of his son just after he finished coaching a youth football team at sports facilities in Omagh on February 22nd, 2023.
Although the New IRA claimed responsibility for attempting to kill John Caldwell, detectives believe other criminal factions joined forces with the terror grouping to target him. The would-be killers made their getaway in a Ford Fiesta, fitted with false number plates and later found burnt out, before switching to another car.
Investigations revealed that an Audi A6 car, believed to have been part of the unsuccessful operation, was later moved by a recovery lorry from a location in Coalisland. Prosecutors claimed that Robinson allegedly transported another suspect from Tyrone to Belfast to collect one of the Ford Fiestas which featured in the later attack on John Caldwell.
Furthermore, based on CCTV and telephone evidence, it was claimed that Robinson assisted in moving the Audi A6 car. The car used in the attempted murder of John Caldwell was later linked to Robinson.
However, Robinson denies any involvement in the events surrounding the murder plot. Defence lawyers have stressed that he is not accused of taking part in the shooting of John Caldwell or being in Omagh at the time of the attack.
The case also includes allegations of "walk and talk" meetings to discuss plans with other suspects, and Robinson being linked to an area at an industrial estate where another "operational vehicle" was set on fire following a failed attempt to assassinate John Caldwell three weeks prior.
Madam Justice McBride granted bail on strict conditions, prohibiting Robinson from contact with any other suspects and directing that a £5,000 cash surety must be lodged. Some co-accused have already been released from custody.
As the investigation continues, more details are expected to emerge, shedding light on the complex web of alleged criminal activities connected to this case.
