A MAN awaiting sentence over a timer power unit found at the south Armagh home he shared with his girlfriend has had an application for bail refused.
Keith McConnan and his partner Orla O'Hanlon were charged with a catalogue of offences after their rented bungalow on the Tievecrom Road in Forkhill was raided by police in December 2013.
Officers found an industrial grinder and fertiliser as well as a plastic bag in a wardrobe containing an improvised mobile phone-operated switch unit and portable power supply. A reloaded .455-calibre cartridge was also found.
Earlier this week, trial judge Sandra Crawford acquitted Ms O'Hanlon (19) of all the charges she faced but convicted McConnan on two of his nine counts.
The 20-year-old, who has been on remand in Hydebank young offenders centre since his arrest two and a half years ago, is awaiting sentence for possessing the timer power unit and cartridge in suspicious circumstances.
Defence barrister Barry Macdonald told Judge Crawford on Friday: "Put simply, this defendant has probably served more time in custody than he would be required to serve under any sentence he is likely to receive."
He said if bail was granted, McConnan would be living with his parents in Dundalk and would adhere to any conditions imposed. He also spoke of a "glowing report" from the governor of Hydebank.
Crown barrister Robin Steer raised several objections, including the fact that McConnan has been convicted of "serious offences" and by his own admissions was "linked to" a notorious alleged terrorist from the Dundalk area.
Bail was refused and McConnan was remanded back in to custody ahead of sentencing next month.
