Co Down teenager in court charged with having pipe bombs

Andrew Magee (19) accused of having devices in Newry

A Co Down teenager has been released on bail charged with having pipe bombs just over a year ago.

At Newry Magistrates Court, Andrew Magee (19) spoke only to confirm his identity and that he understood the single charge against him.

Mr Magee, from Parkhead Crescent in Newry, is accused of possessing pipe bombs on February 13th, 2014 with intent to endanger life or cause serious injury to property.

Although none of the facts of the case were opened in court, a detective constable said he knew the facts and circumstances surrounding the find of the homemade explosive device and that he believed he could connect Mr Magee to the charge.

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It was reported at the time that officers uncovered three pipe bomb devices, made safe by the British army, during searches at a piece of open ground in the Parkhead Crescent area.

While defence solicitor Gerald Trainor said he had no questions for the officer, a prosecuting lawyer asked for the case to be put back for six weeks to allow preparation of a “full file” and for Mr Magee’s police bail “to be converted to court bail.”

Releasing Magee on his own bail of £500 and granting legal aid, District Judge Peter King ordered him to reside at home keep a curfew from 9pm to 7am, report to police three times a week and not to have any contact with a man named as Darren McClelland.