Two in court over explosives find

Two men charged with possessing explosives with intent to endanger life or cause serious injury have been remanded in custody…

Two men charged with possessing explosives with intent to endanger life or cause serious injury have been remanded in custody by a Belfast court.

Francis Carleton (38), of of Conor Rise, and Barry Boardman (43), of no fixed address, were arrested in the university area of Belfast last Thursday by police investigating dissident republican activity.

They appeared at Laganside Magistrates Court today.

Mr Carleton’s solicitor, Pearse MacDermott, told the court his client denied the charges and  was an innocent taxi driver picking up a fare.

District Judge Ken Nixon refused Mr Carleton's application for bail due to the risk of him not turning up for trial. Mr Boardman did not seek bail.

Both men were remanded in custody to appear again via video-link in four weeks time.

Two other men, aged 28, and 44, and a woman (29), who were also arrested as part of the investigation, were released without charge.

  • Join The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date

  • Sign up for push alerts to get the best breaking news, analysis and comment delivered directly to your phone

  • Listen to In The News podcast daily for a deep dive on the stories that matter