A 39-year old man accused of trying to blow up an ATM machine at a Costcutters store in Co Armagh was refused bail today.

Gratian-Ioan Pinter, who is originally from Romania and whose address was given as Brega Hamlet Lane in the Balbriggan area of Dublin, is one of two men accused of causing an explosion at an ATM in Hamiltonsbawn.

The cash machine was targeted on June 5, 2014. It is understood that gas was pumped into it before it was ignited.

At the time of the incident, the PSNI said that whilst no money was taken the cash machine was destroyed and damage was caused to the building in which it was housed.

Pinter is facing two charges arising from the incident - namely causing an explosion likely to endanger life, and attempted burglary with intent to steal.

Newry Crown Court, sitting in Belfast, heard that Pinter - who denies both charges - has been on remand for over two years since his arrest.

Making an application for bail, defence barrister Gavan Duffy QC revealed that his client's co-accused, who is also a foreign national, has already been released on bail and is living in the Republic.

Mr Duffy told Judge Gordon Kerr QC that the date of Pinter's trial "has slipped back" to the end of October and is "quite a distance" away.

The barrister said that outstanding charges Pinter faced "no longer exist", and he also revealed that should Pinter be released on bail, a bed would be available for him at a Simon Community hostel.

Mr Duffy concluded his application by telling Judge Kerr: "He has now served two years in custody, which is the equivalent of a four-year sentence."

When Judge Kerr was informed that Pinter had no ties in Northern Ireland, and after branding the offences he faces as "serious", he said: "Given the nature of these charges, and the lack of connection to this jurisdiction, I do not think bail is appropriate.

It is my view this man should remain in custody. Bail is therefore refused."