A £50,000-a-year computer expert helped loyalists to make pipe bombs after getting information from the Internet, the High Court in Belfast heard yesterday.
Mr Samuel McBratney 42), from Ballycraigy Ring, Larne, Co Antrim, applied for bail on charges of possessing pipe-bomb components, computer records about manufacturing them and having four devices with intent to endanger life. It was refused.
A Crown lawyer said the RUC carried out a search of Mr McBratney's home in May and seized computer records, books and literature about making bombs, parts of pipe bombs and 97 cartridges, the propellant used in the bombs.
It was alleged that during interviews Mr McBratney admitted allowing his home to be used for making bombs. "He also admitted assisting in the construction of two of the bombs and transporting four of the devices to the Antrim area," said the lawyer. "Police intelligence would suggest he is a member of the UVF."
A lawyer for Mr McBratney said his client allowed himself to get "sucked in" after returning from England.
Mr Justice Coghlin said the bombs were made when the UVF was supposedly on ceasefire.