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Third family member in court on terrorism charges

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The Police Service of Northern Ireland crestImage source, Getty Images

A third family member has appeared in court in Londonderry on terrorism charges.

John Kelly, 43, from Columbcille Court in Derry, was arrested following a major three-day police operation in the city last week.

He denies having guns and explosives and was remanded in custody.

Two days ago, his brother and niece appeared at the same court on similar charges.

There was heavy security when Mr Kelly appeared at Bishop Street courthouse to face six charges.

They include having two Soviet grenade heads, plastic explosives, two electric detonators and two handguns on 7 September.

Objecting to bail, a detective inspector said the police case was that John Kelly was forensically linked to the weapons.

'Connected to New IRA'

The police believed he was connected to the New IRA and was a person of trust to that organisation.

A defence lawyer said John Kelly denied the charges and could not interfere with the evidence in any way.

He also questioned the admissibility of forensic evidence.

The arrests followed a major three-day police operation in Derry last week.

District Judge Barney McElholm said there was a clear case to answer and he refused bail.

John Kelly was remanded in custody until 5 October.

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