Ammo and mercury found in rucksack

Gabriel Martin Aloyious Mackle, of Glebe Hill Manor, Tandragee, was charged with possession of the ammunition in suspicious circumstances on August 7 and possession of the liquid mercury in connection with the commission, preparation and instigation of an act of terrorism.

A bail application was made on behalf of the defendant but this was opposed.

A detective constable said that police stopped Mackle riding a motorcycle in Victoria Street. He was alone and had a rucksack over his shoulder.

It was searched and contained 20 rounds of ammunition and a bottle containing 50mls of mercury.

The detective added that the accused refused to talk throughout the interview process and he believed he was involved in dissident republican activity.

Mercury, he explained, was used for car booby trap bombs.

He opposed bail and alleged Mackle was closely aligned with dissident republicans in the Lurgan area.

District Judge, Mr Alan White, refused bail saying there was a serious risk of the commission of further offences.

Mackle was remanded in custody to appear by videolink on September 6.