Overview
- John Charles Coleman, 73, from Ardboe, was charged with preparation of terrorist acts and perverting the course of justice in the case of PSNI detective John Caldwell.
- Coleman appeared via videolink at Strabane Magistrates’ Court and was granted bail under a curfew with daily reporting and notification requirements for any vehicle he travels in; he is due back in Omagh Court on December 9 with co-accused.
- Detectives said the case involves communications data, CCTV and vehicle movements, alleging Coleman helped plan the attack and assisted in moving and destroying a Ford Fiesta linked to the gunmen.
- PSNI stated the 73-year-old was arrested in Ardboe and detained under the Terrorism Act before being charged, while a 37-year-old arrested in the same operation was released to be reported to the Public Prosecution Service.
- DCI Caldwell was shot several times off duty in Omagh on February 22, 2023 in an attack later claimed by the New IRA, and the PSNI Serious Crime Branch continues a multi-defendant investigation.