'Trainspotter' bailed over Ballykinlar pictures charges

A County Down man described as a "nerd" and a "trainspotter" has been freed on bail on terrorism charges.

Ryan Lavery, 27, from Ballymoat Road, Downpatrick, is accused of collecting information likely to be of use to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism.

It is alleged his computer had photographs of vehicles coming in and out of Ballykinlar Army base. He is also accused of having a document likely to be of use to terrorists - a list of registration numbers.

He was arrested in January and at an earlier hearing Downpatrick Magistrates Court was told the defendant's father worked at the Ballykinlar base.

Mr Lavery's solicitor also told the court at the previous hearing that his client had photographs of him holding a machine gun at an "open day" at the base in 2011.

On Thursday, the district judge agreed to a variation to Mr Lavery's bail which would allow him to attend medical appointments in Downpatrick.

Meanwhile, Mr Lavery's mother, Collette McKendry, also appeared in court in Downpatrick on Thursday.

The 43-year-old from Ballynoe Road, Downpatrick, is accused of disorderly behaviour and obstructing police in Newcastle on 14 June.

It is understood the Police Ombudsman's Office has been informed about the incident.

Both are due to appear in court again on 6 September.