A fifty-two-year-old man has appeared before a special court sitting in relation to the recovery of explosives and drugs, which led to homes in the area being evacuated and specialist teams brought in to examine significant items.
Emmet Roach (52) from Ranaghan Road, Maghera is accused of unlawfully and maliciously possessing explosives in the form of potassium nitrate and Pyrodex with intent to endanger life or damage property.
He is further charged with cultivating, possessing and intending to supply cannabis.
A detective constable told Dungannon Magistrates Court the charges could be connected.
He explained on December 10 a community nurse arrived at Roach’s home to tend to an elderly relative and noticed a number of items of concern including a gas cylinder with wires.
She contacted police as she feared someone in the property was attempting to make bombs.
On arrival officers observed 23 pipe bombs and containers of chemicals as well as a number of cannabis plants were also located.
Homes in the area were evacuated and a cordon was put in place.
Army Technical Officers attended and located 24 improvised explosive devices.
Roach was arrested and during interview claimed to be a “hobbyist” who was constructing what he described as sugar rockets and smoke flares.
He denied creating anything to cause harm and contending the major item recovered was to clear a blocked drain in the garden, having previously tried unsuccessfully with a rake and a hose.
District Judge Francis Rafferty said: “He created a nail bomb to clear a drain?”
The detective confirmed this is what Roach asserted, adding the devices were “tested” in a field near his home.
In addition, the detective told the court, “The accounts show he was reckless while experimenting, including the addition of shrapnel. We also believe he had an ideology leading to doing harm to the Muslim community.”
In terms of the drugs, Roach admitted cultivating and using cannabis but insisted he would never supply it.
Objecting to bail, the detective pointed to the extent of explosives and the high volume of chemicals gathered, as well as tensions within the area where the incident took place.
A defence solicitor said throughout interview Roach cooperated fully and contended his behaviour was “innocent misadventure”.
Bail was refused and Roach will appear again by video-link at Magherafelt Magistrates Court on 8 January.