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A 34-year-old man facing explosives charges following an attack at the Belfast Islamic Centre may require psychiatric assessment, a court has heard.<\/p>\n
About 30 people were praying inside the building when an explosive device was thrown through the window on Friday night.<\/p>\n
The centre is used as a place of worship and as a community hub.<\/p>\n
Jonathan Robert Bell, from Chester Manor, Belfast, is accused of attempting to cause an explosion and attempted arson which could endanger life.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
He is further charged with making an explosive device, namely a pipe bomb, sometime between 1 January 2025 and 21 June.<\/p>\n
There is also another count of criminal damage in relation to a broken window at the centre.<\/p>\n
At Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Monday, a detective sergeant said they could connect Mr Bell to the charges.<\/p>\n
No application for bail was made.<\/p>\n
The court heard Mr Bell had been released on a licence for unrelated matters which could now be revoked by parole commissioners.<\/p>\n
The defendant’s legal team said there were concerns about his mental state during police interview and a request was made for a psychiatric assessment to be carried out.<\/p>\n
District Judge Steven Keown described the application as premature.<\/p>\n
Mr Bell was remanded into custody and will appear again on 8 July.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n