Keep up with Armagh i

Couple in court charged in connection with discovery of viable explosive device in Tandragee

Both cases were adjourned until January 14

A couple have appeared in court charged in connection with the discovery of a viable explosive device in Tandragee last month.

Ross Hardy, 21, of no fixed abode, Lurgan, appeared charged with possessing explosives under suspicious circumstances and making explosives under suspicious circumstances at Armagh Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, where he appeared via videolink from Maghaberry.

Meanwhile, co-accused, Rebecca Jane Gallagher Gregory, 20, of Woodview Park in Tandragee, appeared in court facing the same charges.

It was previously heard that the charges arose after an improvised blast bomb device was found on November 30 at Gregory’s home at Woodview Park at about 10.25am.

Bomb disposal experts made the device safe and recovered it for further examination.

Giving evidence to the court, on that occasion, a police officer said that while Gregory claimed to he holding the device “under threat”, her partner Hardy had made “full and frank confessions” to having built the device about a year ago.

Arrested and interviewed, Gregory claimed that a male she refused to name had given her the bomb to hold about three weeks beforehand, further claiming she “felt frightened” of this male.

She later admitted to knowing the bomb was in the cupboard.

On Tuesday, prosecution outlined that a full file in the case was expected on January 13 and asked for a four week adjournment, until January 14, for an update.

District Judge Paul Copeland asked if Hardy had applied for High Court bail.

Defence solicitor Kevin McCamley stated: “He has not. This has been adjourned generally over issues with finding an address.”

A variation application was made with regards to Gregory.

Mr McCamley said: “She is currently required to sign at a police station three times a week.

“This has been financially difficult for her due to caring difficulties. It has been agreed with police to reduce this to once a week.”

District Judge Copeland granted the variation and both cases were adjourned until January 14.

Sign Up To Our Newsletter

Most read today

NEWRY – SHOP LOCAL

More in Tandragee