Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
PSNI: BOMB PARTS BOUGHT WITH EASE
Man in court on explosives rap
A POLICE officer has described as “disturbing” the ease with which bombmaking parts can be bought as a man appeared in court on explosive offences.
Joseph Markey is charged with causing an explosion likely to endanger life, making four explosive devices and attempting to cause an explosion.
The 41-year-old is also accused of driving whilst disqualified, driving without insurance and taking a vehicle without authority on dates from March 1 to 26.
A PSNI detective constable told Newry Magistrates Court he could connect Markey, from Tassagh Road in Keady, Co Armagh, to the charges.
The court was told a member of the public reported hearing an explosion at around 5am on March 12 on the Castleblaney Road.
A follow-up probe found there had been an ammonia nitrate beer keg bomb, which was set up with a car battery timer and jump leads.
On March 17, another beer keg was located and examined.
It was found to contain what Army Technical Officers described as an attempt at a crude homemade explosive, however, it is not thought to have been viable.
On March 22, a similar device was found on the Newtown Road in Camlough, Co Armagh, with another device also found later that day on the south shore of Lough Neagh.
Three devices in total were reported by walkers in beauty spots that did not explode.
PSNI evidence of the accused claimed he was behind the wheel of a Volkswagen Passat owned by his father in the vicinity of Armagh and was linked to the purchase of four car batteries from Halfords in the city on March 1. The same car was discovered at the defendant’s address with a search recovering what was described as component parts to make keg bombs.
A number of mobile phones were also seized.
The detective, objecting to bail for fear of flight and further offending, told the court the defendant – who had no links to paramilitaries – was learning a bomb-making skill set with an unknown motive.
Markey was described as having strong links to the Republic and living only seven miles from the border.
Defence solicitor Jarlath Fields said there were no links with the keg bombs and terrorist activity.
Refusing bail, Deputy District Judge John Rea added: “These are very serious offences being charged.” Markey was remanded back into custody with the case adjourned to April 20.