Northern Ireland

Man admits placing hoax device outside the home of Gary Donnelly

Gary Donnelly
Gary Donnelly Gary Donnelly

A man charged with placing hoax devices outside two houses in Derry including one of a local independent republican councillor on Easter Sunday had made full admissions, the local Magistrate's Court has heard.

Keith McClenaghan (39), of Moss Park in Derry, faces eight charges including two charges of possessing explosives with intent to endanger life, four charges of conveying false information leading to the belief there would be an explosion and two charges of placing an article to cause a bomb hoax.

All of the charges related to the incidents on April 21 when devices were placed outside the home of Councillor Gary Donnelly in Creggan and another premises in the city.

At yesterday's sitting the court was told that a report was still outstanding.

Defence solicitor Ciaran Shields said the defendant had made full admissions.

He said it was never McClenaghan's intention to harm anyone and he told the court there were mental health issues and a report was required.

Deputy District Judge Philip Mateer adjourned the case to July 11.