Man charged over bomb alerts ‘is not linked to paramilitaries’
POLICE do not believe a Co Armagh man accused of creating home-made bombs that led to a series of security alerts is linked to any paramilitary group, it has emerged.
Joseph Markey (41) of Tassagh Road, Keady, was charged with four counts of making explosives. He was also charged with two counts of causing explosions and two counts of attempting to cause explosions, all likely to endanger life, as well as driving offences.
A police officer told Newry Magistrates Court yesterday that they had yet to establish a motive.
Markey was refused bail after police detailed evidence linking him to the alerts, including the purchase of four car batteries from Halfords and a car spotted in the vicinity of the attacks being discovered at his home.
He was charged after security alerts in the Castleblayney Road area of Keady, the Newtown Road area of Camlough and the Maghery Road area of Craigavon earlier this month.
Police carried out searches at Markey’s home over the weekend and recovered items they believed could be used to make explosive devices similar to those discovered at the scenes of the alerts.
Markey appeared in court via video link.
The police officer told the court they had information linking the car found outside Markey’s home to the vicinity of the security alerts.
Markey was not listed on the vehicle’s insurance, but his father — now in a nursing home — and another man were.
During police interview Markey suggested someone could have been using the car without his knowledge.
A representative of the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) noted that the devices had been discovered in areas where people regularly take walks, potentially putting them in harm’s way.
Objecting to bail, police said they were concerned Markey could be a flight risk and expressed concern he would carry out further offences.
The PPS representative noted that the bombs were made with materials that could be bought in shops and that due to the car battery timer used “neither the bomb maker nor anyone else is aware of when that timer will go off”. He said there was also evidence to suggest the bombs had gotten more sophisticated and the bomb maker was improving his technique.
Markey’s solicitor Jarlath Fields asked police to confirm they did not believe the incidents were “paramilitary related”.
It was confirmed Markey’s only previous convictions were for driving offences.
Mr Fields said there was no evidence the car batteries allegedly purchased by the defendant were used in the bombs and said police were unwilling to disclose the source of their information the car found at Markey’s address was spotted near the alerts.
It was suggested by the prosecutor that it was “not an isolated incident” and that the defendant would have carried out further attacks if not arrested.
“The fact police have been unable to identify the motive is particularly concerning,” he said.
Mr Fields said it would be “far more worrying” if the offences were terrorism related and said there was no evidence of an intent to harm others.
The presiding District Judge rejected Markey’s bail application saying the offences were “very serious”.
Markey will next appear before Armagh Magistrates Court on April 20.