Explosives boy out on bail

A 14-year-old boy charged with possessing explosives has been released from the Nelson police cells but given a 24-hour curfew.

The boy was granted bail with conditions when he appeared in the Youth Court in Nelson after Child, Youth and Family could not place him in secure care.

He faced two charges of possessing explosives, three charges of burglary and one charge of making a hazardous substance, which he did not deny.

The boy, who cannot be named because of Youth Court rules, was arrested after police recovered chemicals from his home last Wednesday. Later that day residents near the Motueka police station were evacuated after a chemical fume scare from the substances.

The court was told that 10 young people were in police cells around the country waiting for places in secure care and that the boy was sixth on the priority list.

Judge Paul Whitehead said the charges were serious, but it was unsatisfactory to keep remanding a 14-year-old in police custody.

The boy was remanded until October 17. He must live with relatives in Wellington, have no internet access and not have possession of lighters, matches or any other inflammatory device.

- NZPA