The father of four men wanted for questioning about the murder of a couple whose home was set alight was today charged with impeding the course of justice.
Colum Smith (57) was accused of two counts of impeding the arrest of offenders following the attack last November.
Lisa McClatchey (21) and partner, Thomas O'Hare (33) were beaten with hammers and doused in flammable liquid by a gang at their home in Foley Road, Tassagh, near Keady in Co Armagh.
Mr Smith, from Mourneview, Mowhan, Co Armagh, did not speak during the brief hearing at Newry Magistrates' Court. His four sons were treated in hospital in Dundalk, Co Louth, after the attack, which destroyed the couple's bungalow.
All four had suffered serious burns and were also treated in Dublin's St James's hospital for several weeks.
Three have since been released, but police have been unable to interview them as they are considered medically unfit.
The first offence allegedly took place on November 6th, when, knowing that people were guilty of attempted murder, Mr Smith took them by car out of Northern Ireland.
He is also accused of taking a Ford Mondeo to a garage for dismantling and arranging for it to be destroyed with the intent to avoid prosecution.
Mr Smith's solicitor said his client would be strenuously contesting the charges.