A 61-year-old North Belfast man is to stand trial for the alleged possession of explosives, a judge ordered today.
Robert Patrick Dodds appeared before the city’s Magistrates Court accused of having parts for an improvised device.
The case relates to a discovery made in May 2018. Dodds, of Havana Gardens in the Ardoyne area, faces a charge of possessing explosives in suspicious circumstances. He allegedly had separated components comprising a length of plastic tube, a fuse and a fill of fireworks.
During a preliminary enquiry hearing Dodds declined to give evidence or call witnesses at this stage. His barrister, Kelly Doherty, did not contest submissions that he has a prima facie case to answer.
But Ms Doherty said an explanation has been given for the material allegedly found at her client’s house.
Judge Liam McStay granted a prosecution application to have Dodds returned for Crown Court trial on a date to be fixed. He released the accused on continuing bail, to return when those proceedings get underway.
