Parade accused breached bail by meeting media, court told

TWO men charged in connection with an illegal march on Easter Monday where petrol bombs were thrown at police held a press conference to highlight the “injustices” of their bail conditions, a court heard yesterday.

Thomas Ashe Mellon ( 41), of Rathmore Road and Gary Hayden (45), of Tyrconnell Street, both in Londonderry, were charged with taking part in an un-notified public procession on April 2.

Both men had been released on police bail. The conditions included not congregating with more than three people, not being within Chamberlain Street where dissident republican centre Junior McDaid House is located and not being within 500 metres of any police operations.

They were arrested on Monday after holding a press conference in Junior McDaid house. A police officer told Derry Magistrates’ Court they had “blatantly breached” bail and opposed them being released again. In response to questions from defence solicitor Paddy MacDermott, the officer agreed that there was no evidence either man had taken part in the disturbances or that they had been part of a colour party.

He said that he had lodged a bail variation with the court that was due to be heard today.

District Judge Barney McElholm released both men on bail on condition they did not associate with each other, stayed away from police operations and did not take part in any illegal parade.

Both men will appear again on April 25.