Craigavon Magistrates Court adjourned the case of Martin John McCauley, 63, from Esmondale in Naas, County Kildare. He faces charges of murdering three RUC officers in a bomb attack near Lurgan on October 27, 1982.

Sergeant Sean Quinn, Constable Allan McCloy, and Constable Paul Hamilton died when a 1,000lb landmine destroyed their unmarked police car at Kinnego Embankment. The device detonated by remote control.

Operation Kenova investigated the case starting in 2019. Forensics matched McCauley's DNA to cigarette butts found near the scene.

McCauley did not appear at Friday's preliminary enquiry hearing. His barrister Andrew Moriarty told the court that the defence received additional disclosure material and engaged senior counsel to contact the prosecution.

Moriarty asked to reschedule the hearing for April 17 to review the new material. The prosecutor agreed to the request.

District Judge Michael Ranaghan granted the postponement. He noted the case's extensive background. McCauley remains on bail from a prior hearing.