Seized bike returned to brother of terrorist

A motorcyclist jailed for being stopped in Lurgan with a bottle of liquid mercury has won a legal challenge to the bike being seized.

By The Newsroom

Published 22nd Jan 2015, 11:37 BST

Judges in the Court of Appeal quashed the forfeiture order made against Gabriel Mackle due to issues over its ownership.

Mackle (41) is serving eight years for possessing explosive substances with intent to endanger life and having ammunition with similar intent.

He was stopped in Lurgan, Co Armagh, on August 7, 2013. Mercury has been used to make tilt switches for improvised explosives and booby-trap devices.

Mackle, formerly of Glebe Hill Manor in Tandragee, pleaded guilty.

The bike had been bought for £15,000 under a HP arrangement by the defendant’s brother, who is not alleged to have been involved in any crime.

Lord Justice Girvan quashed the forfeiture order, saying the return of the bike to the brother did not give rise to any injustice.