Three Derry people facing explosive and firearm charges have charges withdrawn
Father and daughter Shannon Kelly (26) of Creevagh Heights and Gérard Kelly (48) of Victoria Place both in Derry had been charged with possessing explosives namely two Soviet grenade heads, plastic explosives and two detonators with intent to endanger life. John Martin Kelly (43) of Columbcille Court in Derry had been charged with similar offences
Three people facing explosive and firearm charges after an incident in Creggan last September have had the charges withdrawn at Derry Magistrate's Court today.
Father and daughter Shannon Kelly (26) of Creevagh Heights and Gérard Kelly (48) of Victoria Place both in Derry had been charged with possessing explosives namely two Soviet grenade heads, plastic explosives and two detonators with intent to endanger life on September 7.
They were also charged with possessing the same items in suspicious circumstances.
Both were also charged with possessing a Browning short barrelled firearm and a quantity of ammunition with intent to endanger life on September 7 as well as a charge of possessing the weapon and ammunition in suspicious circumstances.
Gérard Kelly's brother John Martin Kelly (43) of Columbcille Court in Derry had been charged with similar offences.
At today's sitting a prosecutor told the court that all charges against all three accused were being withdrawn.
No explanation was given to the court except that it had been decided that the test for prosecution had not been met.
There had been significant disorder in the Creevagh Heights area during the police operation that had resulted in the arrests and 16 police officers had been injured.