Men admit terror offences over plot to attack Galway mosque

Two men have pleaded guilty at Ireland's Special Criminal Court to terror offenses related to a plot to set fire to a mosque in Galway last year. Darren Gorman and Garrett Pollock admitted to attempting to engage in a terrorist activity aimed at damaging the Maryam Mosque by fire, an act explicitly described in the indictment as "aggravated by hatred."

The charge, brought under the Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) Act 2005, is the sole count against Gorman, 34. Pollock, 35, faces further charges including the possession of weapons such as hatchets, a knuckle duster, and a hunting knife. He is also accused of possessing an explosive substance, identified as four threaded pipe end caps and six liters of hydrogen peroxide, under circumstances suggesting unlawful intent.

Pollock faces similar charges for possessing an explosive substance in separate locations on the same date. The court has adjourned the case until June 29, when Gorman and Pollock are expected to appear via video link. Their two co-accused, Charles Flynn and Karolis Peckauskas, are also scheduled to be produced on that date.