Bomb murder bid accused’s DNA on wires, hearing told

PARTIAL DNA profiles on components of a bomb found under a PSNI officer’s car are a billion times more likely to come from a man charged with his attempted murder than anyone else, the High Court has heard.

Prosecutors said forensic evidence connects 39-year-old Peter Granaghan to the bid to kill the off-duty policeman at a golf club in east Belfast on June 1.

Granaghan, of Blackrock Park in Belleek, Co Fermanagh, denies involvement in the thwarted attack for which The New IRA claimed responsibility.

His lawyers insisted any DNA traces on wires and battery connectors used in the device can be explained by innocent contact during past work as an electrician and handyman.

But refusing bail, Mr Justice O’Hara held there was a risk of further offences being committed. He said: “The bomb under the policeman’s car was placed by people who do not support the ceasefire and who support continuing violence against members of the security forces and against others.”

Granaghan is charged with attempted murder, as well as making and possessing explosives with intent to endanger life.

The court heard the off-duty officer discovered the bomb below his car while it was parked at Shandon Park Golf Cub.

A Crown lawyer claimed DNA taken from the accused following his arrest in September matched samples obtained from the wires and battery connector.

He disclosed details of a report from a forensic expert who considered two possibilities: first, that the partial profiles came from Granaghan; and second, that they belonged to some other unknown person.

“This finding is at least one billion times more likely to arise under the first proposition,” counsel said.

Granaghan was said to have sat with his head rested on folded arms during the police questioning, and made no attempt to look at any evidence put to him.

Donal Sayers, defending, argued that anyone involved with the bomb would have been forensically aware, handling it with care to ensure no evidential traces were left.

He stressed Granaghan is a man with no relevant previous record, who has worked as a plasterer and electrician.

Denying the bail application, however, Mr Justice O’Hara said: “A dissident republican attempt to murder a local police officer indicates to me that it follows there’s a risk of offending if Mr Granaghan is released on bail.”