SA bomb accused could be tried as adult

An Adelaide teenager who allegedly carried a pipe bomb onto a public bus may be tried as an adult.

The 16-year-old appeared by video link in the Youth Court on Thursday, where a prosecutor said the matter would be handled by the director of public prosecutions.

The court will hear an application to have the case sent to the District Court because of the seriousness of the allegations.

The boy has indicated he will plead guilty to three charges, including taking steps to manufacture an explosive device.

He faces a total of nine charges, including one of endangering life.

The teen was arrested in March after a report to police and his case will return to the Youth Court in August.