Explosion charges dropped

A County Fermanagh teacher charged with conspiring to cause an explosion has been freed from court after the three charges against him were withdrawn.

Emmett Lavelle had also been charged with membership of the Continuity IRA, a dissident republican group.

The charges were withdrawn by a Crown lawyer at Fermanagh Magistrates Court on Monday.

Mr Lavelle and his parents Michael and Mary were arrested last February after the security forces allegedly discovered bomb-making materials hidden in a field at the back of their home at Donagh near Lisnaskea.

The 27-year-old spent eight months in custody before being released on bail.

His solicitor described him as a man of "impeccable character" who had always denied involvement in the offences.

At least one year had regrettably been torn from his life, said the solicitor.