Fireworks found in a BMW spotted causing an obstruction on an 'abandoned' road near Portadown, Craigavon court hears
Fireworks were found in a vehicle spotted causing an obstruction on an ‘abandoned’ road, a court has heard.
Ben Browne, aged 26, from Dungannon Road, Birches, Portadown appeared before Craigavon Magistrates Court via video link from Maghaberry Prison.
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He pleaded guilty to possessing fireworks without a licence and no insurance.
The court heard that on Saturday, September 6, 2025, police were called about a suspicious vehicle and that a car was reportedly ‘abandoned’ on the side of the Farlough Road, Portadown.
On arrival they found a white BMW which was located on an ‘abandoned’ road and was deemed an ‘obstruction’.
Police also spotted two ‘substantial’ boxes in the rear of the vehicle containing 50 ‘squealer’ rocket fireworks. The car was unlocked and it was searched to find out the identity of the owner.
Police were then approached by the defendant at the corner of the road. He said he had ‘borrowed’ the car but it had broken down and hadn’t been ‘aware of any issues’.
"He said he had ran out of diesel and had walked home,” a prosecutor told the court, adding that during interview Browne made full admissions.
Browne’s solicitor, Mr Harry McCourt, said his client has “unfortunately been in custody for some time mainly because he’s been unable to obtain a bail address for other matters”.
He said Browne was using a friend’s car and believed it was covered by a trade policy however checks showed he wasn’t. Mr McCourt said his client has always been a driver working in recovery and working with cars.
"This is going to lead to a disqualification from driving which will have a detrimental affect on him. At the moment he is of no fixed abode but is hoping when he gets out he will get work and get his life back on track,” Mr McCourt said, adding the fireworks were for Browne’s own personal use.
District Judge Michael Ranaghan asked if there was any possibility of his release soon however Mr McCourt said efforts to find his client a bail address weren’t proving fruitful.
The district judge sentenced Browne to a two-month driving ban for no insurance. He issued £200 fines for each of the charges, both of which were dealt with by immediate warrants of seven days.