MONTREAL - A court agreed Wednesday to release Jordi Antunes Barros, 18, arrested two ago months after the discovery of 19 homemade bombs, explosive material and ammunition in the garage of his family home in Ahuntsic.

Looking much younger than his mere 18 years, Barros stood in the prisoner’s dock as Justice Robert Marchi read his decision. Marchi described Barros’s story as simple, yet tragic.

The Montreal police bomb squad discovered the 19 bombs inside the suspect’s father’s garage on Robertine Barry St. on May 17, along with a long list of ingredients required to fabricate explosives. The suspect allegedly stored antique weapons and bullet-making materials.

The arsenal was so large and dangerous, that police were forced to evacuate 50 surrounding homes in Ahuntsic for a full day.

Barros has a lengthy history of psychiatric treatment, enough to make the prosecution fear for the public’s safety, which led to Crowd prosecutor Lucie Martineau to argue against the teen’s release.

“It's regarding the security of the public. You've heard all the elements which have been discovered on the premises,” said Martineau.

Judge Marchi felt otherwise, stating that while the evidence may be convincing, the boy also has a mental illness. The suspect attempted suicide in the past, and may also suffer from an obsessive compulsive disorder.  

Marchi said the teen had no known intended target, and was swayed by Barros’s family's commitment to look after him 24 hours a day while he awaits trial.

The 18-year-old’s father even quit his job shortly after his son's arrest.

The teen will be forced to obey a strict list of conditions: He must remain home 24 hours a day, in the presence of either his father, mother or sister; he may leave the house alone; and he must see a psychiatrist and take his medications.

“Justice Marchi decided what the proper conditions were to assure the security of the public and for that I will respect the decision that he gave,” said Martineau.

Barros's family must now report on their son's progress and ensure he does not use the internet.

Barros had been examined at the Pinel Institute and was deemed fit to stand trial on four charges.

He will return to court on Aug. 13 to determine is following his conditions. At that time, the judge will also determine if he may be allowed to return to school.