Probation for Newry man in bomb parts case

The plastic bag was unearthed on waste ground in the Camlough Road area of Newry close to the A1 on February 13, 2014.

Andrew Magee, 20, from Parkhead Crescent in the south Down town, admitted possessing ‘certain explosive substances, namely three pipe bombs, two lengths of copper pipe and 25 ball bearing’ in suspicious circumstances.

A barrister for Magee told Belfast Crown Court his client was essentially a “patsy” who came to be in possession of the items whilst under the influence of a man 13 years his senior.

Passing sentence, Judge Gordon Kerr QC said it was accepted that Magee - who was 18 at the time of the offence - was “acting under pressure by older and more sinister persons.”

Judge Kerr also noted Magee’s “rough childhood” and unstructured lifestyle, and said that he would benefit from the “help, assistance and guidance” offered by probation.

The judge did, however, warn Magee that if he breaches the probation order, he will be brought back to court where he will face a jail term.

At a previous hearing last week, prosecuting barrister Michael Chambers said the bag containing the items was discovered on waste ground close to Magee’s house.

The bag was located by police assisted by the military and had been hidden under tufts of grass.

The bag contained a number of pipe bombs and suspected pipe bomb component parts, and when all the items were later examined, they were determined to be three viable pipe bomb devices.

A forensic examination revealed Magee’s fingerprint was present on the plastic bag.

Magee was arrested and during his first interview he gave a pre-prepared statement which claimed he knew nothing about the pipe bombs.

When the forensic evidence about his fingerprint was put to him, Magee then claimed he had been walking his dog on the waste ground, his dog had found the items in the grass, and he lifted the bag up after his dog nuzzled it.

Magee also claimed he was placed under a form of duress.

Mr Chambers said Magee accepted that he knew there were pipe bombs in the bag, but that he was not aware of the precise readiness of the devices.

Mr Chambers also said Magee accepted the devices “may be used by other people to cause violence” which could harm or even kill people as well as cause damage to property.

Defence barrister Greg Berry QC said that at the time of the offending his client was only 18 and had fallen under the influence of an older figure.

Saying it was clear that Magee was “the subject of pressure”, Mr Berry described his role as “limited”, adding: “He essentially hid these items at the direction of other more sinister individuals.”

Before releasing Magee at Tuesday’s sentencing, Judge Kerr branded pipe bombs as “anti-personnel weapons ... designed to kill or maim” and ordered that all the items seized be destroyed.