COURT: Barrister Joe Brolly is acting for prominent loyalist Winston Irvine who is up on firearms and ammunition charges. Mr Irvine says “I do” when asked if he understands the charges.
Police opposing bail.
PSNI officer told the court on Wednesday 8th June police had planned to arrest Mr Irvine on an unrelated matter. Observed interaction with a van man in Glencairn St area. Mr I was then stopped by uniformed police in Disraeli Street.
Police said Mr Irvine was asked if there was anything he couldn’t account for in the car. He said a bag in his boot. He said he didn’t know what was in the bag. Inside bag was a hold all. Firearms observed. Search halted. Mr Irvine arrested.
👆🏻👇🏻Five police interviews. 236 minutes. No comment from Mr Irvine. He said items in the bag were nothing to do with them. At final interview Mr Irvine read out a prepared statement that is with the court.
There has been swabbing of both bag handles. The Sainsburys bag and the hold-all. Mixed DNA. Mr Irvine a minor contributor.
Quantity of cash found, several thousands of pounds.
Mr Irvine has declined to provide the pin code for his mobile phone, the court is told.
Police objecting to bail on series of grounds. “This has the hallmarks of a paramilitary operation” “Can only be trusted members of an organisation”
Another person remains in custody. Police working to identify other persons. Risk Mr Irvine could engage with others involved in movement storage and transportation of weapons. Could thawart investigation.
Officer tells court bail could lead to increase in community tensions and lead to disorder. Bail couldn’t manage these risks.
Lawyer Joe Brolly describes Mr Irvine as a “Renowned peace builder”. Involved in “intensive” work “across the divide” last 20yrs. Says he works for Intercomm, & Houben project workers confirm Mr I works with ex loyalist & ex republican prisoners. His work is about securing peace.
Lawyer Joe Brolly says he could spend half a day going through Mr Irvine’s commitment to peace building. Tells the court today Mr Irvine was due to graduate Maynooth University in international peace building and development.
Lawyer Joe Brolly says Mr Irvine’s public life ‘contradicts suggestion he had these items for any nefarious purpose’. He was taking the item from one person to another. Interlocutor.
Lawyer Joe Brolly says there is no risk of interference. ‘We say emphatically he is not involved other than unwittingly.’ Married 30yrs with 4 kids. Public figure. Well known. Defence will present case to court. Looking at criteria we say he is a proper candidate for bail.
Lawyer Joe Brolly said Mr Irvine is on the Police Community Partnership Board. His phone constantly rings to ask for cross community issue assistance. Says cash surety of £10,000 can be offered by family. He is not a flight risk. He can satisfy any trust court puts in him.
Lawyer Joe Brolly said Mr Irvine should be allowed to continue his important work at a time of tension. ‘We ask your worship to release him on bail.’
The court has decided to refuse bail. Next date July 1.
Legal aid granted for today. Fresh application to be made in due course.
ENDSl
With many thanks to: Amanda Ferguson for the original publication.
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