Lennon bomb plot pair refused bail

Dec 28 2012 by Ross Dunn, Irvine Herald

The pair jailed for sending suspect packages to Celtic manager Neil Lennon and two others have been refused bail while their appeal is considered.

Trevor Muirhead, 44, and Neil McKenzie, 43, were found guilty of conspiracy to assault Mr Lennon, former MSP Trish Godman and the late Paul McBride QC.

Now, Muirhead from Kilwinning and McKenzie of Saltcoats will have to wait until the new year to find out the results of their appeal against conviction.

They were each jailed for five years for sending devices they believed could explode and cause injury.

The pair claim that their convictions should not stand as the devices sent to the three high profile Celtic fans and Irish republican organisation Cairde Na hEireann could not have exploded.

However, the Crown has rejected this claim by stating that the convictions should stand even if the devices were unable of detonating.

Defence QCs Gordon Jackson and Donald Findlay asked for the men to be released on bail pending the result, but the request was refused.

After two days of legal argument, Lord Menzies, sitting with Lady Clark and Lord Philip, said they would take time to consider their ruling.

Muirhead and McKenzie will continue to serve their five year sentences while they wait for the judges to issue their written ruling at a later date.