A prominent Belfast republican was in court yesterday on a series of charges arising out of the kidnapping of a man at Ardoyne. Mr Eddie Copeland (31), of Holmdene Gardens, Ardoyne, Belfast, faced three charges relating to an incident on Wednesday involving Mr Patrick Shannon, also from Ardoyne.
He was charged with unlawful imprisonment, assault causing actual bodily harm, threatening to kill and kidnapping.
A detective sergeant told Belfast Magistrates' Court that Mr Copeland made no reply to the charges. "I believe I can connect him with the charges," he added.
Mr Philip Breen, defending, said there was a concern he wished to raise. "At 6 p.m. last night Mr Copeland's name and other details were given on television and other TV programmes and newspapers after that named him," he said. "It is my experience that journalists have certain responsibilities and do not publish the name until that person appears before the court."
The resident magistrate, Mr John Clery, said: "It is most unfortunate." Mr Breen replied: "It is disgraceful" and added that Mr Copeland was denying the charges.
He was remanded in custody until September 28th, but Mr Breen said an application for bail would be made in the High Court.
Mr Copeland has figured in a number of civil cases which resulted in him being awarded compensation. He received £60,000 for injuries when loyalists booby-trapped his car and £27,500 for bullet injuries he received when a soldier opened fire at a funeral.