The legal representative of a Derry man currently in Maghaberry facing charges connected to the discovery of mortar bombs has said emergency High Court proceedings will begin if his client is not moved to the republican wing of the jail.

Ciaran Shiels from Madden and Finucane solicitors, who represents Gary McDaid, said he has written to the Secretary of State, the PSNI Chief Constable and the governor of Maghaberry to raise allegations that attempts have been made to recruit his client as an informer.

The Derry man was arrested on the Foyle Road close to the scene where a van containing primed mortar bombs was discovered.

Mr Shiels said: “We have written to the Secretary of State Theresa Villiers, the Chief Constable of the PSNI and the Governor of Maghaberry on Monday of this week making the most serious allegations in relation to behaviour of the Security Forces and the Prison Service concerning the treatment of Gary. We required them to secure the audio and CCTV recordings of Antrim Serious Crime Suite and the prison to prove Gary’s allegations. We have accused them of accessing suspects in custody once their solicitors have left the station and pressurising them to plead guilty to serious scheduled offences when their lawyers are not present. The police have used emotional techniques and bullying in order that they become private informers or public supergrasses. Percentage discounts on sentences are being offered together with assurances of bail within a few months.

“We confirm that if a decision is not taken by Friday to move our client that emergency proceedings in the High Court will commence without further notice to them. At present we have received no response to our pre-action correspondence.”

Foyle MLA Raymond McCartney has also called for the Derry man to be transferred.