Islamic Centre attack suspect may need assessment, court hears

A 34-year-old man facing explosives charges following an attack at the Belfast Islamic Centre may require psychiatric assessment, a court has heard.

About 30 people were praying inside the building when an explosive device was thrown through the window on Friday night.

The centre is used as a place of worship and as a community hub.

Jonathan Robert Bell, from Chester Manor, Belfast, is accused of attempting to cause an explosion and attempted arson which could endanger life.

He is further charged with making an explosive device, namely a pipe bomb, sometime between 1 January 2025 and 21 June.

There is also another count of criminal damage in relation to a broken window at the centre.

At Belfast Magistrates' Court on Monday, a detective sergeant said they could connect Mr Bell to the charges.

No application for bail was made.

The court heard Mr Bell had been released on a licence for unrelated matters which could now be revoked by parole commissioners.

The defendant's legal team said there were concerns about his mental state during police interview and a request was made for a psychiatric assessment to be carried out.

District Judge Steven Keown described the application as premature.

Mr Bell was remanded into custody and will appear again on 8 July.