Man remanded in custody on explosives charges

A 25-year-old Monaghan man has been brought before the Special Criminal Court charged with possession of an explosive substance.

Martin Connolly of Mullantimore, Tydavnet, Co Monaghan was tonight charged with knowingly possessing a Novital Magnum Electric Cereal Mill and ammonium nitrate at his address between September 8 and 11 contrary to Section 4 of the Explosive Substances Act.

Detective Garda Ronan Mulligan told State solicitor Michael O’Donovan that he had arrested the accused outside Monaghan Garda Station shortly after 6pm this evening. He said Mr Connolly made no reply after being cautioned and told he was to be brought before the court.

D Gda Mulligan then pointed out Mr Connolly to Mr Justice Paul Butler, Judge Alison Lindsay and Judge William Hamill.

The judges conceded to Mr O’Donovan’s request that the case be dealt with by the Special Criminal Court. He also requested that the defendant be remanded in custody for at least 48 hours.

Michael Bowman BL, defending Mr Connolly, asked for a short remand, after which he said he would be making a bail application and possibly an application for legal aid.

Dressed in a grey hooded top, the accused did not speak during the short hearing. He was remanded in custody to the same court on Thursday morning.