A court heard DNA evidence links a Strabane man to a planned attack on police officers in County Tyrone.
Love, aged 30, is from Bridge Street, Strabane. He faces charges from a 2022 Tyrone attack. Love denies trying to murder two officers. He also denies causing an explosion. He denies possessing explosives to endanger lives.
Symone Murphy, 28, is Love’s partner. She is charged with withholding terrorist info. Ciaran Murphy KC spoke about the police officers. Officers ‘A’ and ‘B’ were in Mount Carmel Height around 11 pm on November 17, 2022.
The officers reported a flash and bang, and thought someone attacked them. They went back to the Strabane station. One officer saw the flash near an old school. He heard a loud bang and felt a thud.
The officer said something hit the car. It rocked the car and broke apart. The vehicle had paint damage. There was also a burning smell, coming from the car’s front passenger side.
The area was searched after the attack. Police found a cordless drill in the grass they say was the device’s trigger. Love’s DNA was on the drill and a metal post.
Police found RDX, an explosive, at the scene. Terrorists and groups used it before. Love was arrested the next day and gave no comment in interviews. He was released and then re-arrested.
Love gave a statement later. He said a man from Saoradh, linked to the New IRA, asked him a favor. The man asked Love to take a drill from in a bag to Mount Carmel Heights.
The prosecutor spoke about Symone Murphy, saying she withheld info. Love’s phone was at home during the attack. Murphy answered a call from Love’s mom. Messages showed she knew he was gone and was worried about his location.
Murphy did not tell police when they asked about Love on November 17. The prosecutor states Murphy knew it was relevant, concerning Love’s location at the bombing.
The prosecutor said Love planned to kill police. The location was safe and hidden, and those involved had the device ready, including the explosive and trigger. Planning was needed.
Love’s DNA was on the device, and his statement admits he had it. He brought the device there to use it. His DNA was also on the metal post. The prosecutor stated Love was there.
The prosecutor added the attack failed because the officers were in an armored car. The device hit a metal fence. He said they were fortunate no one died.