Man remanded for attempted pipe bomb attack on GAA club

A man has been remanded in custody to await sentencing for an attempted pipe bomb attack on a GAA club in Belfast.

John Wilson, 59, of Lower Braniel Road in Belfast, placed two crude pipe bombs on the bonnets of cars parked at grounds used by East Belfast GAA.

He had previously been found guilty of the attempted pipe bomb attack and of attempting to intimidate members of the club from attending or playing sports at the Henry Jones Playing Fields.

In September, a jury at Belfast Crown Court found Wilson guilty in a unanimous verdict.

During a brief pre-sentence hearing on Friday, a prosecution lawyer told the judge it was clear the intention of the offences was "to cause terror and fear".

A defence lawyer said the offences were "wholly out of character" with Wilson's family and working record.

As he was being handcuffed in the dock, Wilson gave a thumbs up to a man and woman in the public gallery, and as he was being led away, he turned to them and wished them "Happy Christmas".

He will be sentenced on Wednesday 10 December.