Christopher Paul O’Kane denies terrorism charges

A Londonderry man has denied terrorism offences linked to a major data breach by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).

Christopher Paul O’Kane, 52, of Iniscarn Road in Derry, appeared at Belfast Crown Court on Tuesday to be arraigned on four charges under the Terrorism Act.

He pleaded not guilty to preparation of terrorism acts and possessing articles in the use of terrorism, namely two mobile phones, an encrypted USB device and a laptop. He also denied possessing two spreadsheets containing details of serving PSNI officers and staff.

The offences are alleged to have been committed on dates between 7 August 2023 and 19 August 2023.

Mr O’Kane also pleaded not guilty to viewing YouTube videos relating to improvised explosive devices between 1 August 2023 and 19 August 2023.

The data breach happened in August 2023, when the PSNI released the names of thousands of staff and officers by mistake, under a Freedom of Information (FoI) request.

The list included the surname and first initial of every employee. It also included their rank or grade, where they are based and the unit in which they work.

The accused twice refused to stand during proceedings on Tuesday and Mr Justice Fowler told the court clerk to proceed with the arraignment as Mr O’Kane sat in the dock.

A lawyer for Mr O’Kane asked the court for three weeks to lodge a defence statement.

He also told the judge there would be “very significant early witness agreement in the case” and that he would forward that to the prosecution in due course.

He said an independent expert is to be retained to examine two mobile phones which were allegedly found in Mr O’Kane’s bedroom during a police search.

No date for the non-jury trial was set and Mr Justice Fowler said he would review the case in April.