A masked man caught in fields near Dungiven leisure centre, Co Derry, allegedly asked police not to shoot him, a Belfast court heard today. Mr Finbar Grieve (20) from Pellipar Park, Dungiven, was one of four men, including his brother, to go on trial at the Crown Court. Mr Pat Lynch, prosecuting, claimed the men were on a "murderous terrorist enterprise" when surprised by the RUC in January 1997. Mr Grieve, his brother Edward (37) from Main Street, Mr Michael O'Neill (26) of Curragh Road, all Dungiven, and Mr Brian McGuigan (38), from Drumard Lane, Draperstown, deny conspiracy to murder, possessing an improvised grenade launcher and an assault rifle.
Mr Lynch claimed that on January 25th, 1997, a masked Mr Finbar Grieve was caught after police gave chase. Mr Edward Grieve was found hiding in grass and claimed he was "just out for a walk in the fields". Mr Lynch also claimed the RUC later discovered the improvised grenade launcher, and the assault rifle. The trial continues tomorrow.