Two men who had allegedly been found in possession of a pipe bomb, a discovery which led to the evacuation of Galway Garda Station earlier this year, were both remanded in custody for a further two weeks to allow time for the service of a book of evidence.
Mark Phelan (23 ) with an address at 101 Castlepark, Ballybane, and Glen Walsh (27 ) with an address at 8 Lealand Avenue, Bonogue, Clondalkin, Dublin 22, were both brought before Judge Mary Fahy at Galway District Court yesterday.
Inspector Ernie White told the court that the book of evidence for both defendants was not ready because of the complicated nature of the case, which involved a large number of statements and ballistic evidence. He also made a formal application for amendments to be made to charges. Despite objections from defence solicitors Judge Fahy granted the application.
Phelan faces charges of alleged possession of an explosive substance, namely a pipe bomb, at Mill Street Garda Station and the possession of a firearm, a Remington Speedmeter .22 rifle, and silencer at Creggan Upper, Athlone on February 27, 2009. Walsh is charged with alleged possession of an explosive substance, a pipe bomb, at Creggan Upper, Athlone, and for possession of a firearm, a Remington Speedmeter .22 rifle, and silencer at Topaz Filling station, Athlone Road, on the same date.
The defendants were later further remanded in custody by consent to appear again at Galway District Court on June 24 for service of the book of evidence.
At a special sitting on February 28 the court heard that both men, who are unemployed, had given no reply when charged. They had also been refused bail. The two men were arrested in Athlone the day before and brought to Galway Garda Station where a suspect bomb device was discovered. The station was evacuated and members of the Bomb Disposal Unit from Athlone were called in to safely remove it.
