A sixteen-year-old youth has appeared in court in relation to the discovery of explosive devices and other combat-related equipment in Omagh.
The youth, who cannot be named due to his age, is charged with possessing explosive substances as well as a Taser and stun-gun
A detective constable told Dungannon Magistrates’ Court the charges could be connected.
She explained on August 24 police received intelligence that potassium nitrate and sulphur had been ordered and delivered to an address at County Tyrone at the end of July.
Supported by Army Technical Officers, police conducted a search of the property and the youth led officers to his bedroom where a search reached the four suspected Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) homemade gunpowder, knives, a Taser, the purchased chemicals, copper wiring, a stun-gun, a flak jacket and a combat uniform.
A quantity of counterfeit cash was also seized, some of which was in the process of being made as well as a number of electronic devices.
While not pipe-bombs the IEDs were similar in construction, involving a cardboard cylinders containing the homemade gunpowder and a fuse, one of which had been wrapped in twine to increase containment.
These were assessed as potentially causing injury at close range or in a confined space. They could also be inserted into a pipe to make a more lethal weapon.
While the search was underway a litre of acetone was delivered to the house.
The youth was arrested and taken to Musgrave Serious Crime unit in Belfast, where during interview he admitted making gunpowder using potassium nitrate, sulphur powder and charcoal.
He bought the chemicals on Amazon using a relative’s account having claimed it was to fertilise plants.
In addition he admitted making a smoke grenade and researched how to make explosives on YouTube and Telegram but denied using the ‘Dark Web’.
The youth also admitted setting off an IED in the Omagh area in the presence of some friends and insisted all activity was “experimentation and there was no explosive capability.”
He denied any intention or subscription to a particular ideology.
The stun gun and taser were purchased recently from a website and admitted test-firing the Tasar into his bed.
Asked about the flak jacket and knives, the youth claimed these are for “cosplay” as was the counterfeit cash.
Part way through the interview process he provided a pre-prepared statement outlining how he did not wish to harm anyone and was unaware possessing the stun gun and Taser was illegal.
He thereafter answered ‘no comment’ to all questions, including when asked to account for the acetone and copper wiring.
Objecting to bail the detective stated there are serious concerns for both the youth’s own safety and the public.
“He has already set off a device in the presence of others which was extremely dangerous,” she said. “Furthermore others in the community have expressed concerns should he return to the area which also puts him at risk.”
A defence barrister stressed the youth’s young age afforded the presumption of bail and an alternative address in County Fermanagh was available.
District Judge Francis Rafferty agreed to release the youth on very strict terms which includes engaging with the Youth Justice Agency who are to supervise him in the community.
He must reside at the Fermanagh address and no other, abide by a curfew from 9pm to 7am, electronic tagging and have no access to any internet-capable device
The judge further ordered the youth must provide all passcodes and log-in details to his devices to police within 48 hours.
The case will next appear at Omagh Youth Court on September 14.
