Former Soldier Sentenced for Possession of Explosives and Firearm
Bryce Pounder was sentenced at Laganside Courts on Tuesday to three years in prison after pleading guilty to possession of explosives and an article for use in terrorism, as well as possessing a firearm in suspicious circumstances. The 38-year-old, from Parker Street in Belfast, was found to have a pipe bomb, gun, and ammunition linked to the East Belfast Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF).
Pounder was one of four men arrested during a series of police raids in Belfast in November 2018. It is important to note that he was not charged with membership of the UVF, a loyalist paramilitary organisation, nor with any paramilitary offences.
Court Details and Circumstances
During the sentencing hearing on Tuesday, the court was informed that Pounder had accumulated a £1,800 drug-related debt. Due to his failure to repay this debt, he was instructed to store the weapons and ammunition and agreed to do so out of fear.
Police searches of Pounder's residence uncovered a plastic box containing a dismantled pipe bomb with explosives, a silencer, a blank fire gun painted to resemble a Beretta pistol, and 98 rounds of ammunition. Additionally, clothing associated with the UVF was found.
Judge's Remarks
"There was no evidence that Pounder had any allegiance to a terrorist organisation and that his offending had arisen from the 'situational pressures' of his drug debt and his subsequent 'vulnerability'."
