Fermanagh man to stand trial charged with attempted murder of police officer

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A Co Fermanagh man was told today (Wednesday) that he will stand trial in Belfast later this year on a charge of attempting to murder a police officer.

Peter Thomas Granaghan was arrested after a bomb was found under a off-duty police officer's vehicle parked outside a golf club in east Belfast.

The accused, from Blackrock Park in Belleek, appeared at Belfast Crown Court via a video link with Maghaberry, where he denied three charges arising from the discovery at Shandon Park Golf Club in June 2019.

Shandon Golf Club where a bomb was found under a off-duty police officer's vehicle parked outside in June 2019

The 40-year old confirmed his name then entered 'not guilty' pleas to all three offences.

Granaghan denied attempting to murder a serving member of the PSNI between May 31 and June 2, 2019. He also denied unlawfully and maliciously making an under-vehicle improvised explosive device on dates between June 1, 2018 and June 2 2019, and of possessing an IED with intent to endanger life.

After Granaghan denied the charges, a senior Crown barrister told Judge Stephen Fowler QC that the prosecution was prepared for the trial.

The barrister said the case involved 66 witnesses and was expected to last between two and three weeks.

Judge Fowler said he was conscious Granaghan is currently in custody, adding the date for hearing should be given "a degree of priority."

The Belfast Recorder then set the date for trial as Tuesday August 31, and Granaghan was remanded back into custody.