Barry Petticrew
A MAN who faces charges in connection to the biggest bomb making material found in the North in several years has claimed he was in fear of his life and thought the IRA was coming to “shoot me” as he fled from police in Kinawley, a court has heard.
Barry Francis Joseph Edward Petticrew, of Drumbroghas, Swanlinbar, was arrested in October when police investigating dissident republican activity uncovered a major explosives haul on a farm in Kinawley.
The 43-year-old, who has been in custody since his arrest, made an application for bail when he appeared before Fermanagh court on Monday.
While outlining the PSNI objections to his bail, a Constable Howard revealed the details surrounding his arrest.
He explained to the court that on October 8, at around 3pm, Mr Petticrew was seen acting suspiciously at a farm yard in Kinawley.
The defendant was seen walking from his van to the farm house and outbuildings for a time.
The PSNI officer told the court that he was spotted holding a gas cylinder and a heavy object as well as two lighter items.
Petticrew was then seen going into the house while holding a sports bag. He then went back to the outbuilding and returned to his van.
When he spotted the police officers going towards the house he ran off. He threw away gloves and discarded them in a field. He was eventually found in a field after they chased him towards the border. He was arrested under terrorism offences.
He replied: “I’m not a terrorist. I’m not involved in acts of terrorism or criminality.”
A holdall which matched the description of the one he was carrying was found containing ammunition, gun cartridges and five pipe bombs, as well as timer units for bombs with batteries attached.
Inside his van was a gas cylinder with the top cut off with another gas cylinder inside.
The constable said: “There’s no normal reason to have this other than terrorism.”
Inside the van police discovered 500kg of fertiliser and the highest amount of nitrogen that can be bought.
Forensic suits were also discovered along with sugar, black powder, pipe bombs and other items. Batteries were discovered along with gloves and a fire arm.
“He said he went to the farm to feed cattle and fix a shower. He was shown the covert CCTV as he runs away and said, ‘I thought the IRA was coming to shoot me, my family were under threat.’
“This was the biggest bomb making material found in Northern Ireland in several years.”
The court heard that the accused has been convicted of possession of a firearm and ammunition in the South and was jailed for five years.
“He rammed a number of Guard cars after he was caught. He served time on a republican wing and was a trusted member of a republican terrorist organisation. He has a republican mind-set.
“A house search of his property uncovered items in relation to the Republican Network for Unity including a shirt with a badge and two camouflaged flak jackets.” Leading defence lawyer Peter Corrigan, who has represented high profile dissident republicans, said that paraphernalia found at an address in Swanlinbar was never linked to his client. He denied that Petticrew had a republican mindset.
“There is significant evidence to the contrary,” he added.
“He is an ideal candidate for bail and this defendant is willing to comply with any conditions the court feels necessary.
There’s no forensic evidence linking him in the way of finger prints and DNA to the fertiliser. There will be no evidence incriminating him to these offences.”
District Judge Nigel Broderick said he had considered the matter carefully.
“I’m satisfied there was a substantial arsenal of weapons and paraphernalia. Anyone who engages in this can expect to be dealt with robustly.”
He was denied bail because of risk of further of offending, his relevant convictions and risk he would not turn up for trial.
He is to appear before Fermanagh court on February 2, via videolink.
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