Gun charges - bail bid delayed

Thomas Christopher Nash, 53, a car breaker, with addresses at Iveagh Park and Prehen Park, is charged with possessing a .22 rifle, 140 rounds of ammunition, two imitation guns and CS spray.

The offences, which Nash has denied, are alleged to have happened on August 9, six days after the explosion which caused extensive damage to buildings close to the police station.

When Nash first appeared in court, a senior detective said he was arrested in relation to the bombing.

The bail application was due to be heard by Lord Justice Coghlin and Nash's family was in court to hear it.

Defence lawyer Joe Brolly applied for an adjournment and said there had been a very lengthy consultation during the morning and in the course of that various matters emerged.

“It is clear the application is not ready to proceed,” Mr Brolly said.

“The applicant has a history of ill-health and he had just recently had a biopsy at Altnagelvin hospital. Given that the whole context of the application would be his vulnerability, the question the court would ask is where is the medical report?

“Regretfully in those circumstances I am asking you to adjourn the application,” he told the judge adding; “The family and the prosecution are aware of the circumstances.”

Lord Justice Coghlin said he would adjourn the application generally and told Mr Brolly; “You can bring it back when you are ready.”