Strict bail terms for ‘loyalist gathering’ accused
A MAN who allegedly took part in a loyalist show of strength in east Belfast is not to be with any more than two other people in public, a judge has ordered.
David Matthews was also banned from entering the city as part of strict terms under which he was granted bail.
The 34-year-old is accused of being among a gathering of up to 60 masked men at Pitt Park last month.
Police and prosecutors have claimed 11 residents had to flee their homes on February 2 and shelter in a nearby community centre for up to eight days.
The group is believed to be linked to the East Belfast UVF, previous courts were told.
Matthews, of Millreagh in Dundonald, faces charges of unlawful assembly and affray in connection with the incident.
His 58-year-old father, Stephen Matthews, of Pansy Street in Belfast, and Derek Lammey (56), from Spring Place in the city, remain in custody accused of the same offences.
The three defendants deny involvement and have not been charged with any paramilitary offences. With the case against them based on disputed identification evidence from police at the scene, repeated attempts have been made to secure bail.
Earlier this week, the High Court refused to release David Matthews to live in Co Down at the home of a man said to have an extensive criminal record.
His lawyers then offered a different address in Comber as part of a renewed application.
At Belfast Magistrates Court, it was accepted that the proposals had raised no geographical issues.
District Judge George Conner
agreed to grant bail to David Matthews under a series of conditions.
The defendant is prohibited from entering Belfast and neighbouring parts of Dundonald and Ballybeen.
“He is not to be in the company of three or more persons in a public place,” Mr Conner said.
Apart from his father, Matthews is barred from contacting anyone arrested or charged as part of the investigation.
Further conditions include electronic monitoring and reporting to police three times a week.