Orla O'Hanlon and Keith McConnan accused of running bomb factory

A 19-year-old woman and her 20-year-old boyfriend have appeared in court accused of running a bomb factory for dissident republican terrorists.

Orla O'Hanlon, of Church Road, Forkhill, County Armagh, and Keith McConnan, of Tievecrom Road, Forkhill, appeared at Newry Crown Court.

She pleaded not guilty to making fertiliser-based explosives and possessing bomb parts and ammunition.

Mr McConnan faces the same charges but his arraignment has been delayed.

The charges arise from a police search of the Tievecrom Road property in December 2013.

The bomb parts they are accused of possessing include a mobile phone-operated switch unit.

Previous hearings have seen a heavy security presence, but Tuesday's brief hearing was low-key, with no uniformed police officer in court.

Ms O'Hanlon was released on continuing bail.

Mr McConnan could not be arraigned due to a mix-up that meant his lawyer was not in court for the hearing.

He was remanded in custody to appear in court in Belfast on Thursday.