Ballymena man in court after five-hour police stand-off

Counter-terrorism officers and armed response teams were involved in the response

A man at the centre of a major security alert in Ballymena on Wednesday which resulted in a five-hour police stand-off has appeared in court in Coleraine.

Ryan Desmond Connolly, 34, from Crebilly Road in the town, allegedly told his brother he had a pipe bomb.

Police negotiators, counter-terrorism officers, armed response teams and a dog unit were involved in the response.

Objecting to bail, police described Mr Connolly as a danger to himself and others.

He is accused of causing a security alert by claiming to have an improvised explosive device and a gun.

In court, a police officer said a search of Mr Connolly's property found no bombs or firearms but a metal pipe was discovered.

The officer said a large number of people needed to be evacuated from their homes, adding there were "serious concerns about the defendant's mental health".

Mr Connolly, who has 50 previous convictions, was tasered during the operation and subsequently taken to hospital.

When interviewed by police, he said he had been drinking, mixing his medications and had "no idea what was going on", the court heard.

'Complex background'

He told Judge Laura Levers he had repeatedly spoken to healthcare staff about his mental heath, which he said had been "going down the drain".

Judge Levers told the defendant it was clear there was a "complex background to the case".

He was remanded in custody to appear in court again on 11 January and was strongly advised to seek legal representation.

"I didn't mean to cause the havoc that I did," he told the judge.

"I think keeping me in prison for a while would be the best option to be honest with you."