A west Belfast man was cleared yesterday of having explosives. Belfast Crown Court had heard a mark-16 mortar tube and warhead were found in the kitchen of a house at St James's Road on February 25th 1994. Kieran Smyth (36), from Beechmount Grove, was arrested some distance away.
During the trial last month the prosecution claimed Mr Smyth could be linked forensically to the mortar. Mr Smyth denied one charge of possessing the explosives with intent to endanger life.
In a reserved decision yesterday, Judge Tom Burgess said he had decided to acquit Mr Smyth. In a written judgment he said while he had considerable suspicions as to the possible role of the defendant, the prosecution had failed to prove his guilt.