A bomb found near a Londonderry hotel was destined for a police recruitment event, a High Court in Belfast has heard.

The BBC reports Darren Poleon and Brian Welsh have been accused of preparing an act of terrorism, conspiracy to cause an explosion, and possessing an improvised explosive device with intent to endanger life or cause damage to property.

The court heard the men were stopped by police in Omagh three days before the bomb was discovered on 9 October. They claimed to be in Northern Ireland to by an engine. 

Police found a rucksack, bolt cutters, walkie-talkies, binoculars, a head torch, toy gun, latex gloves, wigs and a fake beard inside their car. They were arrested on suspicion of being equipped for theft but later released on bail.

Police later connected the men to the hotel.

While the defence argued there was a lack of evidence, the judge refused bail, saying there prima facie [at first appearance] evidence of involvement in a “very sophisticated and clearly terrorist-type operation”.

The prosecution barrister said the device was found at a transit location and alleged it was to be “moved closer or within the [Waterfoot] hotel prior to the PSNI [Police Service of Northern Ireland] recruitment event to take place the following day”.