A man from County Down charged with terrorism offences connected to an alleged cross-border plot to attack a mosque in Galway has been refused bail.
Court hears details of alleged '15-point' attack plan
Connor Pollock, 38, from Croob Park in Ballynahinch, Co Down, appeared via videolink from HMP Maghaberry at Downpatrick Magistrates' Court on Thursday. He faces three charges under the UK Terrorism Act. The charges stem from a police investigation into a group calling itself the Irish Defence Army (IDA), which allegedly planned an attack on a Galway mosque and migrant accommodation.
The court was told prosecutors possess a detailed '15-point' plan for the proposed mosque attack. This document reportedly contained code names and assigned specific roles to five members of an IDA 'active service unit'.
Evidence from mobile phones central to prosecution
Opposing bail, a PSNI detective constable stated that evidence from Pollock's phones showed affiliation to the IDA. Messages referenced 'our oath', 'we exist', and 'this is our attack'. Police allege he sent a 'claim of responsibility' for the planned attack to his partner on October 24.
The court also heard that Pollock's brother, Garrett Pollock, 35, had contacted him via encrypted messaging apps. In a voice message on Signal, Garrett Pollock indicated his brother could source pipe bombs and firearms, followed by a WhatsApp call lasting two minutes and nine seconds.
Cross-border investigation and related arrests
The case involves a joint operation between the PSNI and An Garda Siochana in the Republic of Ireland. Two men, including Garrett Pollock, have already appeared before courts in Ireland charged in connection with the alleged plot.
During a search of Garrett Pollock's address in Annalong, police found:
- Viable components for pipe bombs and incendiary devices.
- Documents on manufacturing explosives.
- The '15-point attack plan' for the mosque.
- A pre-prepared note claiming responsibility.
Garrett Pollock was charged in Ireland with possession of explosive components and six litres of hydrogen peroxide. Another man, Karolis Peckauskas, 38, from Drogheda, was charged with possession of hydrogen peroxide.
Defence argues 'conjecture' as judge refuses bail
Pollock's defence lawyer argued the case was based on 'a lot of conjecture and speculation'. He stated his client held no strong political views and was merely trying to 'ingratiate himself with his brother'. He emphasised that no explosives or right-wing paraphernalia were found at Pollock's home.
However, District Judge Nigel Broderick said the prosecution's case that this was a dangerous organisation preparing attacks had 'traction with the court'. He denied bail, citing the live, early-stage investigation and the risk of frustrating further police steps. The judge remarked that Pollock's messages suggested he was 'a little more than simply a bystander'.
Connor Pollock was remanded in custody to appear again on January 15, 2026. He was initially arrested on December 9, 2024, in Ballynahinch as part of the cross-border probe, which also saw two other individuals detained and later released.
