Derry man in court on explosives charges refused bail

A man charged in connection with the finding of improvised explosive devices in Derry in May was reused bail at the local Magistrate’s Court.
Thomas Anthony Friel (31) of Gartan Square in the city is charged with possessing explosive devices and other material on May 21.
The court was told that on that date police searched a flat in Maureen Avenue where they found three improvised devices, timers,batteries, work suits, a heat gun and assorted tools and duct tape.
At around 7.30 that evening Friel was driving a taxi when he was stopped and arrested by police.
When he was arrested he was found to have keys on him which matched the locks on the flat in Maureen Avenue.
The court was told that Friel was the tenant of the flat and that no one else would have had keys for it.
A police officer refused bail on the grounds that the investigation was still ongoing and Friel could interfere with that.She also aid there was a risk of further offences and a risk he could abscond before his trial.
Defence solicitor Mr. Kevin Casey said Friel had strong roots in the city and had given an explanation when questioned and he added that there was no forensic links had been established at this stage.
District Judge Barney McElholm said there was a risk of further offences and of the defendant absconding and he refused bail.
Friel will appear again on August 2.