A Northern Irish man charged with terrorism offences connected to an alleged cross-border plot to attack a mosque in Galway has been refused bail by a magistrate's court.
Court hears details of alleged extremist plot
Connor Pollock, 38, from Croob Park in Ballynahinch, County Down, appeared via video link 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 an alleged plan by a group calling itself the Irish Defence Army (IDA) to target a mosque and accommodation facilities housing migrants.
The court was told the charges relate to possessing documents useful to terrorists, withholding information that could prevent an act of terrorism, and possessing an article—a Samsung Galaxy phone—for use in terrorism. The specific document mentioned is a "claim of responsibility" by the IDA for a mosque burning and a threat of future violence against migrant facilities.
Brother charged in Republic of Ireland
The hearing revealed the cross-border nature of the investigation. Pollock's brother, Garrett Pollock, 35, from Annalong, Co Down, has been charged in the Republic of Ireland. He faces counts of possessing components for pipe bombs and incendiary devices, as well as six litres of hydrogen peroxide. Another man, Karolis Peckauskas, 38, from Drogheda, Co Louth, has also been charged in Ireland with possessing hydrogen peroxide.
A Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) detective constable told the court that messages from Connor Pollock's phone showed affiliation to the IDA, including phrases like "our oath", "we exist", and "this is our attack". Police argued he held the same "anti-immigration ideology" as his brother.
Defence argues "ill-informed views", not terrorism
Pollock's defence lawyer contested the bail objection, stating the case involved "a lot of conjecture and speculation". He argued his client was not charged in relation to the intended attack or possession of explosives, and no right-wing paraphernalia or explosives were found during searches of his property.
The lawyer claimed Pollock, who lives with his mother, held no strong political views and was merely trying to "ingratiate himself with his brother". He stated the evidence amounted to "an expression of ill-informed views" and that Pollock had not drafted any IDA documents nor assisted in attack preparations.
However, the prosecution emphasised the ongoing and "live" nature of the investigation, noting one arrest was still outstanding related to an IDA "active service unit". They cited a voice message from Garrett Pollock suggesting his brother could source pipe bombs and firearms.
District Judge Nigel Broderick denied bail. He stated the prosecution's case that this was a dangerous organisation preparing attacks had "traction with the court". He was persuaded by the early stage of the investigation and the risk that further steps could be "frustrated". 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 15 January 2026. He was initially arrested on 9 December in Ballynahinch. Two other individuals detained in Northern Ireland as part of the same probe—a 40-year-old woman in Lurgan and a 48-year-old man in Kilkeel—were released pending reports or following questioning.
