Murdered prison officer David Black

A MAN has faced a court charged with murdering prison officer David Black 15 months ago.

The 52-year-old warder was shot dead as he drove to work along the M1 motorway in a carefully planned ambush on November 1, 2012.

He was driving from his home in Cookstown, Co Tyrone to Maghaberry Prison when a dissident republican gang opened fire, raking his car with automatic gunfire.

Mr Black was the first prison officer to be killed in almost 20 years – the 31st member of the prison to be killed by terrorists.

The Toyota Camry car – which had been bought in Dublin for the attack – was later found burned out in Lurgan, Co Armagh.

Two men have already been charged in connection with the Camry car.

In the dock today at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court flanked by prison officers was Sean McVeigh.

The 33-year-old from Victoria Street, Lurgan was also charged with possession of an assault rifle with the intent to endanger life.

It is alleged police found a hat, gloves and matches at his home during a search on Novembr 2, 2012 – a day after the murder.

An investigating detective told District Judge Mervyn Bates that he could connect the accused to the charges.

McVeigh was remanded in custody to Maghaberry Prison to appear back in court via video link on Friday, February 28.