Man held in custody for trying to bomb GAA club

A 59-year-old man from Lower Braniel Road in Belfast has been remanded as he awaits sentencing for attempting to carry out a pipe bomb attack targeting a GAA club.

John Wilson placed two homemade pipe bombs on the hoods of vehicles parked at the grounds used by East Belfast GAA. He had already been convicted of both the attempted bombing and trying to intimidate club members to prevent them from attending or playing sports at the Henry Jones Playing Fields.

In September, a jury at Belfast Crown Court returned a unanimous verdict finding Wilson guilty. At a short pre-sentence hearing on Friday, the prosecution emphasized that the offenses were intended to "instill terror and fear".

The defense argued that Wilsons actions were "entirely out of character" considering his family life and employment history.

While being handcuffed in court, Wilson gestured a thumbs-up to two people in the public gallery and wished them "Happy Christmas" as he was escorted away. His sentencing is scheduled for Wednesday, 10 December.

Author: Logan Reeves