Rathfriland man had fireworks without a licence

Clarke Stuart Frazer, Carn Valley, Rathfriland, admitted possession of rockets and bangers on October 16 last year.

He was also ordered to pay a £15 offender’s levy and a destruction order was made in relation to the fireworks.

The court heard that a car failed to stop for a police checkpoint and it was eventually stopped on the Kinallen Road, Banbridge.

The driver seemed agitated and a search of the vehicle uncovered the fireworks.

Frazer, who was a passenger in the car, admitted he owned the fireworks.

He claimed he wasn’t a thief and that he had bought them.

A solicitor representing the defendant said the fireworks had cost him £200 to £250.

It was just before Halloween and he took the opportunity to buy them, some for his own personal use and some to sell on, added the solicitor.