Latest news with #JonathanRobertBell
ITV News
23-06-2025
- ITV News
Man accused of Belfast Islamic Centre attack to undergo psychiatric test, solicitor says
A man accused of allegedly throwing a device through the window of the Islamic Centre in Belfast last Friday is to undergo a mental health assessment, according to his solicitor. The lawyer from KRW Law said there were some "psychiatric concerns' and that is a 'very unique case and a very serious case'. Jonathan Robert Bell, from Chester Manor in Belfast, appeared in court in relation to the attack. The 34-year-old was charged with a number of offences including attempted arson with intent to endanger life, attempt to cause an explosion, making explosives with intent to endanger life and criminal damage. Police previously said a viable device was thrown through a window of the centre during evening prayer on Friday. Officers cordoned off the area and the public were encouraged to avoid it. Asked if he understood the charges in court, Bell replied: 'Yes.' Sergeant Michael Brannigan told the court he could connect the accused to the offences. No bail application was made but Bell's solicitor from KRW Law has called for him to undergo a mental health assessment under Article 51 before he was remanded into custody. His solicitor that he anticipates there will be an application to transfer, subject to the outcome of the report, to a mental health facility. The judge said an application for an Article 51 assessment is premature and that he would look at the matter again in two weeks. The case was adjourned until July 8. Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know.
BBC News
23-06-2025
- BBC News
Islamic Centre attack: Belfast man in court on various charges
A 34-year-old man facing explosives charges following an attack at the Belfast Islamic Centre may require psychiatric assessment, a court has 30 people were praying inside the building when an explosive device was thrown through the window on Friday centre is used as a place of worship and as a community 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 is also another count of criminal damage in relation to a broken window at the Belfast Magistrates' Court on Monday, a detective sergeant said they could connect Mr Bell to the application for bail was court heard Mr Bell had been released on a licence for unrelated matters which could now be revoked by parole 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 Judge Steven Keown described the application as Bell was remanded into custody and will appear again on 8 July.
