Pair face 1981 murder bid charge

Gerry McGeough replied no comment to the charges

Independent republican election candidate Gerry McGeough has appeared in court over the attempted murder of a part-time UDR soldier in 1981.

Mr McGeough, 46, and Vincent McAnespie, 44, of Aghabo Close, Aughnacloy, were before magistrates in Enniskillen.

Mr McAnespie replied "not guilty" to each of the three charges, while Mr McGeough said "no comment".

The pair were both charged with the attempted murder of a part-time UDR soldier in Ballygawley 26 years ago.

They also faced charges of conspiracy to murder and posession of firearms with intent to endanger life.

A protest was held outside the court, while an election poster was modified to read "free Gerry McGeough".

Mr McGeough was a candidate in Fermanagh and South Tyrone.

He was arrested after leaving the election count centre in Omagh on Thursday.

Mr McAnespie was arrested in Aughnacloy in the same PSNI operation.