Belfast Crown Court Grants No Bill Application for Peter Granaghan and Brian Cavlan

Phoenix Law welcomes the decision of Belfast Crown Court to grant a No Bill application in respect of our clients, Peter Granaghan and Brian Cavlan.

The charge

Mr Granaghan, of Garrison, Co Fermanagh, and Mr Cavlan, of Dungannon, Co Tyrone, were jointly charged with preparation of acts of terrorism. The charge arose from an investigation into a device found near the Carrickdale Hotel in Co Louth in June 2024.

The prosecution alleged that our clients had been involved in logistical planning in the days before the device was recovered.

The No Bill application

On behalf of our clients, the defence applied for a No Bill, arguing there was no case to answer on the prosecution evidence.

Judge Gordon Kerr KC found that the prosecution case was circumstantial. He held that the evidence could establish only that our clients’ car was in the same vicinity as a location in Co Cavan. It could not establish that the device was collected there.

Granting the application, Judge Kerr said:

“I am convinced that a properly directed jury could not convict the defendants on this charge based on the circumstantial evidence put forward.”

Both men were told they could leave the dock.

Statement from Phoenix Law

Speaking after the ruling, solicitor Gavin Booth said:

“We welcome today’s decision in respect of our clients Peter Granaghan and Brian Cavlan. From the outset, we have always said the prosecution were grasping at straws. There are now serious questions for the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) to answer.

Our clients were remanded for a significant period of time in a case that never had any prospect of a conviction.”

Our criminal defence team

Gavin Booth and Sophie McClintock of Phoenix Law acted for Mr Granaghan and Mr Cavlan.

Phoenix Law represents clients facing serious criminal charges, including terrorism offences, in the Crown Court and on appeal. For advice, contact our team on 028 90 32 83 83.