A LISNARICK man who was allegedly involved in a "shooting incident" near Irvinestown at the weekend has been bailed. 

Paul Sweeney (26), of Lisnarick Road, appeared via video link at Enniskillen Magistrate's Court on Monday.

A 32-year-old man, who is not from Co. Fermanagh, has also been bailed following his arrest during the incident. 

Sweeney was facing charges of possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear or alarm, possessing ammunition in suspicious circumstances, and possessing both Class-A and Class-C controlled drugs. 

Sweeney indicated that he understood the charges before him, while a police officer confirmed that they could connect him with the charges.

Outlining the facts of the case, the officer told the court how on Friday, June 28 at around 7pm, two men were walking along the Kesh road in the direction of Irvinestown.

The men observed a white van which "slowed down" alongside them, and then continued to drive in the direction of Kesh village. 

A short distance later, the van turned around, and came to a stop while the two men were walking along the pavement. 

The driver of the van extended his right arm, and was seen to be holding a "pistol-type" firearm. According to one of the men, this resembled a 'Glock'. 

An orange flash was seen and a "loud bang" was heard. Both men fell to the ground in response to the bang, and the van then drove off toward Kesh.

No injuries were sustained by either men.

The incident was reported to police, and at 7.19pm police located a white Peugeot Partner van at Railway Park, Kesh. There, officers spoke with Sweeney and another man, aged 32, who were both arrested.

Sweeney was transferred to Musgrave Serious Crime Unit, where a small bag of white powder and Pregabalin pills were discovered on his clothing. 

A search was carried out at Railway Park, Kesh.

There, blank 9mm rounds were discovered, some of which had been fired, as well as an empty box for an 'airsoft' handgun.

A small empty "gun box" was also found, along with 16 blank rounds, the court heard.

Sweeney denied possessing the ammunition, claiming that "it could have been put there by anyone".

Outlining objections to bail, the officer said that while Sweeney had no previous convictions, he was "likely to interfere with the injured parties".

The court heard that there was a previous history between an injured party and Sweeney. 

The weekend incident, the officer said, "may be ... an escalation in a dispute".

Other bail concerns centred around the location of the firearm, which has not yet been found.

The officer claimed that if released, Sweeney may "know the location [of the firearm] and dispose of it".

The court also heard that Sweeney was being prosecuted for possessing a "non-functioning" air rifle without certification last year. 

He was also described as a "drug user", which was described by the officer as "an aggravating factor".

However, Deputy District Judge Mateer said he was prepared to grant bail, subject to strict conditions. 

Admitting him on bail of £500, Sweeney is prohibited from making contact with the injured parties; is not permitted to enter Co. Fermanagh, unless for a court appearance; is to be subject to electronic tagging; and must adhere to a curfew, from 10pm to 7am daily.