Punishment victim Edward Gibson died from gunshot wounds following an OIRA attack

A man has faced a court today charged with the Official IRA murder of Edward Gibson in west Belfast last week.

In the dock of court 10 at  Belfast Magistrates’ Court was Malachy Goodman, 57, of Rockmore Road, Belfast.

He was was remanded in custody until Friday,  November 28.

Petty criminal Gibson, 28, was shot in his stomach and thigh in an alley near Divis Tower last Friday in a suspected botched punishment shooting.

He died later in the Royal Victoria Hospital.

It is alleged the Official IRA  – or ‘Stickies’ as they are known locally – had accused Gibson of raping a woman, a claim strongly denied by his family and friends.

Defendant Goodman was also charged with possession of a firearm and ammunition with intent to endanger life, and having cannabis with intent to supply.

The court heard the gun has still not been found along with a second suspect.

A PSNI Major Investigations Team detective opposed bail, saying tensions were still high in the area, the gun and a murder suspect were still at large and witnesses could be put at risk if Goodman was freed from custody.

A judge was told police were strongly opposed to Mr Goodman being released on bail. A detective sergeant claimed witnesses in the case could be put at risk.

Despite a defence solicitor highlighting anomalies in the prosecution case against Goodman, District Judge Fiona Bagnall refused bail and Goodman was taken away to the remand unit in Maghaberry prison.