Kidnap pair remanded in custody

Two men who went on the run after admitting the kidnap of dissident republican Bobby Tohill in Belfast in 2004 have appeared in court.

Thomas Tolan, 35, and Gerard McCrory, 34, were arrested on Monday on the A1 carriageway at Hillsborough.

Tolan, of Ballymurphy Parade and McCrory, of Dermott Hill Road, both in Belfast, were remanded in custody at the city's crown court.

Another two men also involved in the kidnap remain at large.

Harry Fitzsimmons, 37, from Spamount Street, Belfast, and Liam Rainey, 33, from New Barnsley Crescent, Belfast, were due to be sentenced for the abduction alongside Tolan and McCrory last May.

However, all of the men absconded when they were released on bail.

Lord Justice Girvan asked the prosecution to investigate whether or not they considered Tolan and McCrory's absconding as an "aggravating factor" in the case and listed the case for plea and sentence on Friday 2 February.

A Crown lawyer said the prosecution had "no view" as to whether the pair were sentenced before Fitzsimmons and Rainey were caught.

However, a defence solicitor said both McCrory and Tolan "would be anxious" to have the case dealt with as they could "remain in custody indefinitely" if their accomplices were not recaptured.