A former Democratic Unionist Party election candidate has appeared in court charged with pipe bomb offenses.
John Smyth Jr., 30, a security guard from Birch Hill Park in the Steeple estate in Antrim town, was an unsuccessful candidate for the party in May's council elections.
He faces charges of making explosives with intent to endanger life and making explosives under suspicious circumstances.
The charges are linked to a pipe bomb found on a window sill of a Polish couple's house in the Steeple estate in the town last Wednesday.
Ballymena Magistrates Court heard that Smyth is currently being treated for manic depression and recently tried to take his own life.
His lawyers said he was no threat to the Polish community or any other foreign national.
However, Judge Danny McGill said he was satisfied with police concerns over the potential interference with evidence gathering and witnesses. Smyth was remanded in custody to appear in court again next month.
A DUP spokesman said he had been suspended from the party pending the outcome of the case.
