Man Appears in Court Over Bomb Incident
A man has appeared in court following an incident in which a bomb, that failed to detonate, was placed outside Lurgan Police Station in County Armagh.
Brian Anthony Toman, residing on Drumnamoe Avenue in Lurgan, faces charges of attempted murder related to the attack that occurred at the end of March.
The 48-year-old is also charged with possession of explosives with intent to endanger life or damage property, attempting to cause an explosion likely to endanger life, and hijacking.
During the hearing, Toman's defence lawyer indicated that the case was based solely on DNA evidence and cautioned that it was
"very dangerous to connect his client at this stage".
Toman appeared via video link from Musgrave Police Station and confirmed understanding of the charges by responding
"yes"when questioned.
Police Evidence Presented in Court
A senior officer from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) informed Craigavon Magistrates' Court that Toman could be linked to the charges.
The detective chief inspector explained that the bomb left at the police station
"failed to detonate".
He further described the device as
"a viable timer-powered device with low explosive within a pipe-shaped object and shrapnel contained within".
The court was informed that the device also contained several jars of flammable liquid, intended to cause maximum fire damage.
DNA and Mobile Phone Evidence
The detective chief inspector detailed that DNA testing identified Toman's DNA on five components of the bomb, including an AA battery.
Additionally, cell site analysis, which examines mobile phone location records, indicated that Toman's phone was present in the cell area where the attack took place.
The senior officer noted that Toman remained silent during nine interviews totaling five hours and 17 minutes.
Following the interviews and being informed about the DNA findings, Toman provided a prepared statement explaining his frequent work on various construction sites and regular contact with screws and tools.
He also stated in the prepared statement that he often comes into contact with batteries, particularly AA batteries.
The court heard that Toman lives near an alleyway where the hijacking of a delivery driver occurred.
In response, Toman's defence lawyer argued that his client had given a legitimate explanation for how he might have come into contact with
"these everyday items".
Court Proceedings and Bail Status
The judge remarked that the DNA evidence was not the
"only strand"being relied upon by the police and stated that the DNA evidence alone was sufficient to establish a connection.
The defence lawyer announced that no bail application would be made on Friday, and Toman was remanded in custody until 5 June.
