Northern Ireland

Newry man placed on probation over discovery of pipe bombs

Newry man Andrew Magee (20) pictured at a previous court hearing
Newry man Andrew Magee (20) pictured at a previous court hearing Newry man Andrew Magee (20) pictured at a previous court hearing

A NEWRY man who admitted possessing a plastic bag containing viable components for three pipe bombs has been placed on probation for three years.

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

Andrew Magee (20), from Parkhead Crescent, admitted possessing 'certain explosive substances, namely three pipe bombs, two lengths of copper pipe and 25 ball bearings' in suspicious circumstances.

A defence barrister 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.

Judge Gordon Kerr said it was accepted that Magee - who was 18 at the time - was "acting under pressure by older and more sinister persons."

He also noted his "rough childhood" and unstructured lifestyle, and said that he would benefit from the "help, assistance and guidance" offered by probation.

The judge added, however, that if he breaches the probation order he will face a jail term.

At a hearing last week, prosecuting barrister Michael Chambers said the bag was discovered hidden under tufts of grass on waste ground close to Magee's house by police assisted by the army.

A forensic examination revealed Magee's fingerprint on the plastic bag.

During his first police interview he gave a pre-prepared statement which claimed he knew nothing about the pipe bombs.

When the fingerprint was put to him, he claimed he had been walking his dog on the waste ground and he lifted the bag after his dog had found it in the grass.

Magee also claimed he was placed under duress.

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

Defence barrister Greg Berry described his client's role as "limited", adding: "He essentially hid these items at the direction of other more sinister individuals."

Before releasing Magee yesterday, Judge Kerr branded pipe bombs as "anti-personnel weapons... designed to kill or maim" and ordered that all the items seized be destroyed.