Feud accused: Relax my bail for social life

1hr curfew extension for man linked to loyalist guns

A MAN allegedly linked to guns seized over a loyalist feud wanted his curfew relaxed so he could have a social life, the High Court heard yesterday. David Weir, 35, is on bail accused of having one of two pistols police claim were ready for imminent use as part of the dispute in Carrickfergus, Co Antrim. He sought permission to stay out until 11pm to bring him into line with a co-defendant. Barrister Michael Boyd said: “He simply wants his curfew extended so he can have a little bit of a social life.” Madam Justice Mcbride agreed to a one-hour relaxation, meaning he must now be indoors by 10pm. Weir, of Knockleigh Drive in Greenisland, Co Antrim, is accused of possessing a firearm or ammunition with intent to endanger life. He was charged following forensic tests on two pistols recovered from a car at Buskin Place in Carrickfergus on October 28 last year. The weapons had hollowed-out bullets in the chambers and other ammunition concealed in a glove and cloth bag. A half-full fivelitre can of fuel was found in the boot of the Vauxhall Vectra. A Crown lawyer told the court the seizure is being linked to an feud in Carrickfergus which has cost more than £1.5million to police. She added: “Police believe the loaded guns were to be used in the immediate future. The petrol was to be used to set the vehicle alight after the incident.” She confirmed Weir’s DNA was allegedly found on the magazine for one of the pistols. Opposing his bid to stay out later, she argued: “The gun was discovered at 10pm and looked to be ready for use imminently.” But Mr Boyd said there was nothing to distinguish Weir from a co-accused on the same charge. The lawyer added: “He strongly denies being involved in this case.” Granting the extension, Madam Justice Mcbridge acknowledged issues about family and social life.

Police believe the guns were to be used in immediate future CROWN LAWYER BELFAST HIGH COURT YESTERDAY