TWO men have appeared in court on terrorism charges following searches in the Belfast, Enniskillen and Aughnacloy areas earlier this week relating to alleged New IRA activities.
Brian Francis Cavlan (49) from Coronation Park, Aughnacloy, and Rory Martin Logan (43) from Ross Close, Enniskillen, but currently remanded in custody, are jointly charged with collecting information likely to be of use to terrorism.
It is alleged on April 12, 2024, Cavlan possessed two spreadsheets containing details of serving PSNI police officers and staff members.
There were also allegedly two screenshots of portions of a spreadsheet containing details of PSNI officers and police staff.
Logan is charged with having a spreadsheet of serving PSNI officers and staff on June 11, 2024.
The pair appeared together in the dock of Strabane Magistrates Court but refused to acknowledge the proceedings.
A detective sergeant confirmed the charges could be connected; however, this was challenged by the defence.
The detective explained both men were arrested on February 11 as part of an ongoing investigation into the New IRA.
This followed the recovery of a radio-controlled improvised device close to a hotel on June 8, 2024 in County Louth and the possession of the PSNI data breach spreadsheet.
Cavlan’s phone was seized from his hand in April, 2024, “attributing it to him”, and he refused to provide his passcode.
It was accessed by Cybercrime which recovered the spreadsheet, as well as accounts for Instagram and WhatsApp accounts in Cavlan’s name.
The spreadsheet was in six locations on the phone, with two screenshots highlighting specific officers and had been held for around six months.
The data breach occurred on 16.48pm on August 12, 2023 and it appeared on Cavlan’s phone just minutes later, and a further three times the following day.
“This showed knowledge and control as well as positive actions taken,” said the detective.
Investigations continued and an expert provided a report last month.
Cavlan was arrested but “didn’t engage in any way during interview” including refusing to provide his name.
Logan’s phone was seized directly from him on June 11, 2024 and he likewise refused to provide passcodes.
The spreadsheet was found to have been saved on September 7, 2023 – the month after the data breach – having been received by WhatsApp.
The message has been deleted but the spreadsheet had been forwarded to Logan’s wife’s phone and, “It’s apparent that he also uses it, therefore would retain access and control of it on her device although it was deleted on his own. It is the same copy of the spreadsheet as was on the co-defendant’s phone.”
Logan also refused to engage during interview.
The defence contended the data breach spreadsheet was seen by many and, “Police cannot show anything was done with it. There’s no evidence this was for any sinister purposes.”
However, the detective rejected this, setting out, “We believe this was sinister and unfortunately neither accused offered any explanation.”
Logan did not seek bail; however, an application was made for Cavlan, which was opposed.
The detective confirmed he has a criminal record including possessing firearms in suspicious circumstances in 2011.
“There was, amongst other weapons, an AK47 and a handgun which were readily accessible in the vehicle in which he was stopped. He has been linked to Dissident Republicanism for some time and is impervious to change.
“We believe he is a man of violence with a list of all of our names and our staff. He has a previous conviction for weapons. This is a risk and I cannot recommend any bail conditions.”
Refusing bail, District Judge Oonagh Mullan said: “This is a deeply concerning matter given the data disclosed and retained. There is no doubt there is involvement in Dissident Republican activity. The risks are real and evident.”
Both men will appear again by video-link at Omagh Magistrates Court on February 25.
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