A Lisburn man accused of being involved in hoax bomb calls, intimidating staff at four vehicle recovery companies and dealing drugs, has been denied bail.

Michael Claxton, 33, whose address was given as Gregg Street, is currently on remand in Maghaberry Prison charged with four counts of intimidation, four counts of providing false information causing the belief there would be an explosion, possession of Class A drugs, namely cocaine, and possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply.

The defendant did not appear before Lisburn Magistrates Court for the bail hearing, which saw a PSNI constable object to the bail application and provide details of the investigation into the case against the defendant and a co-accused.

The officer told the court there had been numerous acts of intimidation of vehicle recovery companies used by the PSNI throughout 2025.

placeholder image — Lisburn courthouse. Pic credit: Google

Then on four occasions on January 31, 2026 and February 2, 2026, calls were made to the Samaritans and Crimestoppers stating that explosive devices had been left at four companies used by the PSNI – CCRS, ABC Recovery, A1 Recovery, and Carryduff Recovery.

The police officer went on to outline the investigation into the hoax bomb calls, tracing them to public telephone boxes in the Beechland and Hillhall areas of Lisburn.

He also reported that a white Kia XCeed had been seen in the vicinity at the time of the calls and that the defendant, and his co-accused had been seen in the vehicle, with the co-accused being observed entering the telephone boxes at the time of the calls.

The same vehicle was also seen in Gregg Street and at the defendant’s family address on a number of occasions.

During the course of the investigation, a search was carried out, with 300g of cocaine, deal bags, and mobile telephones with messages relating to drug dealing found at the defendant’s address.

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During the bail application, defence barrister Patrick Taylor told the court the defendant was “innocent until proven guilty”.

District Judge Rosie Watters said the defendant had “relevant convictions, particularly in relation to possession of drugs with intent to supply.”

Refusing bail, Ms Watters added: “It has obviously been quite an involved investigation. There is circumstantial evidence that he is involved in all this.”

The defendant will reappear before the court via videolink on April 13.