22/07/2002

Man charged with causing mainland explosions

A 19-year-old man has been charged with plotting to cause explosions following an investigation into a suspected Real IRA bombing campaign.

John Paul Gerard Hannan was been remanded in custody after appearing at the Old Bailey today. He is charged with plotting to cause an explosion and possessing weapons.

Mr Hannan was arrested following an investigation into two car bombs in London and a third failed attack in Birmingham. He will appear before a trial judge, sitting at the Royal Courts of Justice, on Wednesday.

Mr Hanna is also charged with possessing explosives, a handgun and a grenade.

Four other men are being held on similar charges. They are James McCormack, 33, Noel Maguire, 32, and brothers Aiden Hulme, 25, and Robert Hulme, 22.

All the men were charged in May and are awaiting trial.

(MB)

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