Bomb-making equipment case involving Moy man to move to crown court

The case of a 31-year-old man accused of possessing explosives which were discovered after he was involved in separate motoring offences beforehand is to be elevated to crown court.

Barry McCann from Oakfield Gardens, Moy, but remanded in custody since his arrest is charged with knowingly having explosives in suspicious circumstances on August 8, 2025.

When the case first reached Dungannon Magistrates Court a detective constable explained McCann came to police attention earlier the same day following a hit-and-run incident at Killyman Road, Moy.

On arrival officers discovered a car embedded into the rear of the vehicle in front which in turn shunted into another. Witnesses described seeing a male running away from the scene towards Oakfield Gardens. A description was provided and police attended McCann’s home, however, on being spoken to he provided a false name.

Because the vehicle airbags had deployed, he was taken to Craigavon Area Hospital for assessment and while there, disclosed to police he had “ideations to harm people.”

CCTV of the collision was obtained which showed McCann driving on the wrong side of the road and leaping from the car while it was still rolling before it crashed into the vehicle in front.

One victim told police he had observed McCann pull out in front of a lorry causing it to brake sharply then drive “erratically” around Moy Square.

After assessment McCann was discharged into police custody and while being interviewed on the motoring matters relative contacted police stating “bomb-making equipment” had been found in his bedroom. A glass jar containing petrol was discovered along with black powder and matches.

Local residents had to be evacuated from their homes which included children and elderly persons. Specialist army technical officers attended and it was confirmed to be a viable improvised explosive device. A controlled explosion was carried out.

Searches revealed a further eight similar viable devices in a built-in wardrobe which were also made safe by controlled explosions In addition10 mobile phones were seized, most of which appeared to be new as well as a number of SIM cards.

The reporting person said McCann had been spending a lot of time in his bedroom and a garden shed. A defence barrister advised the hit-and-run charges as well as careless driving without a licence or insurance and obstructing police were all admitted and have since been dealt with.

At the most recent court sitting a prosecuting lawyer the case is on track to transfer for trial. District Judge Francis Rafferty remanded McCann in continuing to appear for a committal hearing on October 21 when he is expected to be returned for trial.