Firebombs charge man remanded in custody

A 39-year-old man appeared before magistrates in Belfast today in connection with the planting of two firebombs in shopping centres in the North last year.

Self-employed sandwich bar owner Martin Gerard Rafferty, from Fairyknowe Park, Newtownabbey, faced two charges in connection with the discovery of incendiary devices in shopping centres in south Belfast and Newtownards in March 2005.

He was charged with planting an incendiary device with intent to cause an explosion endangering life or causing injury at the Forestside Shopping Centre in Belfast on March 28 last year.

He was also charged with being responsible for a firebomb that ignited at the Ards Shopping Centre between March 26 and 28.

A detective sergeant told Belfast Magistrates’ Court that he believed he could link the accused to both incidents.

Mr Rafferty, who was wearing a grey sweatshirt in the dock, was remanded in custody to appear again on video link on December 1.

The court was also told Mr Rafferty was advised he could make a High Court bail application.