Two brothers were charged yesterday in connection with an explosion in west Belfast last week in which their father and another brother were injured.
Mr John O'Brien (30), of Glenalina Crescent, Belfast, was charged with possessing three improvised explosive grenades on June 21st when there was an explosion in a shed at the rear of the family home in the Ballymurphy area. Mr O'Brien and his brother, James (31), also of Glenalina Crescent, were also accused of withholding information.
A detective told Belfast Magistrates' Court that when John O'Brien was charged, he replied: "I did give information." His brother, a security officer, made no reply.
Mr Brendan Blayney, appearing for John O'Brien, said he had received treatment for mental illness over the past eight years.
"He has low intelligence and learning difficulties, and any admissions have to be treated with extreme caution," said Mr Blayney.
The brothers were remanded in custody until July 19th.