Man (30) accused of torching getaway car used in murder of loyalist Boreland is denied bail
A SCOTSMAN accused of destroying a car used in the murder of former loyalist paramilitary boss John Boreland must remain in custody, a High Court judge has ruled.
Thomas O’Hara (30) was refused bail yesterday amid claims he may flee or attempt to interfere with the ongoing investigation into the killing in north Belfast last August.
Prosecutors confirmed police searches have yet to locate the gun used to assassinate the 46-year-old ex-UDA leader.
O’Hara, from Brownhill Drive in Kilbirnie, north Ayrshire, is one of three men charged with perverting the course of justice.
They allegedly set fire to a Renault Megane car two days after the murder.
Boreland was shot at Sunningdale Gardens as he walked home from his local bar. He died at the scene.
A Crown lawyer said the car was later driven to a farm in Derriaghy, Co Antrim, before being taken to the Wheelers Road, Lisburn, where it was torched.
CCTV footage and evidence from a tracking device allegedly links O’Hara and his two co-accused to the vehicle’s destruction.
None of them have been charged with the actual murder.
The prosecution claimed O’Hara returned to Scotland hours after the Megane was destroyed.
Opposing bail, a barrister raised concerns about flight and the potential to hamper the probe.
Defence counsel Mark Farrell raised issues of delay and argued that both co-accused have been released from custody.
“On the height of the case against him he’s been involved in a joint enterprise to dispose of a car,” Mr Farrell added.
Denying bail, however, Mr Justice Deeny cited the risks of flight and reoffending.