Man accused of extorting building sites refused bail

A CO Antrim man accused of targeting building sites in an extortion racket has failed in a new bid to be released from custody.

Brian Gillan (60) was seeking bail on charges of blackmail, brothel keeping and possessing criminal property. But a High Court judge refused his application amid concerns over potential interference with witnesses.

Referring to the blackmail allegations, Mr Justice McAlinden said: “This type of offending... is a scourge on our society.”

Gillan, of Lurgan Road in Glenavy, was arrested in April during a series of police raids across Co Antrim and Belfast.

Police observations, photographs and witness statements allegedly link him to the extortion of construction sites from September 2017 until his arrest, previous courts heard.

Prosecutors claimed evidence shows him attending businesses in the Crumlin and Glenavy areas each Friday to make collections.

Police investigations show these building sites are blackmailed to pay money under the guiseofprotectionmoney,itwas contended.

Crown lawyer Robin Steer said today: “If they don’t pay the site is either damaged or property is stolen.”

He is also separately accused of keeping a brothel operated at Agincourt Avenue in Belfast.

Gillan denies all of the charges against him.

His barrister stressed there is no evidence of any paramilitary involvement.