Pomeroy man charged with trying to blow up Catholic police officer granted bail

David Jordan, 44, was released from custody on condition that he has no contact with another man who also allegedly tried to kill the off-duty victim back in May 2008.

Jordan, of Cavanalinn in Pomeroy, and 38-year-old Gavin Coyle, are jointly charged with attempted murder over the car bomb attack near Castlederg.

The pair each face further counts of causing an explosion likely to endanger life, and membership of the IRA.

Prosecutors claim they were involved in a joint enterprise to try to kill the policeman.

But defence lawyers have argued there is no evidence linking Jordan to the alleged plot.

The officer was driving from his home when a bomb exploded under his car at Spamount.

He suffered serious leg injuries and was dragged away from the wreckage shortly before it burst into flames.

A previous court heard claims that CCTV footage captured the two accused driving vehicles in the vicinity of the officer’s house prior to the bomb attack.

A trace of nitroglycerin was also found in the boot of a car later seized by police from Jordan, police added.

His bid for release from custody was mounted after Coyle, formerly of Culmore Park in Omagh, secured bail last month.

Granting Jordan’s application today, the Lord Chief Justice imposed strict conditions.

The accused was prohibited from making any attempt to contact Coyle or any Crown witnesses.

He was also prohibited from having a mobile phone or accessing the internet.

Jordan must report to police daily and abide by a curfew and electronic monitoring conditions.