Bail for man charged over Sunset House gun murder

A MAN facing charges in relation to the murder of Michael Barr at the Sunset House in Dublin has been granted bail by the Special Criminal Court. Mr Barr was shot dead at the pub almost two years ago.

Martin Aylmer, 31, of Casino Park, Marino, Dublin 3, was charged on Wednesday with participating in or contributing to activity intending to facilitate the commission by a criminal organisation or any of its members of a serious offence, namely the murder of Michael Barr at the Sunset House, Summerhill Parade, Dublin 1, on April 25, 2016.

He was also charged with participating in or contributing to activity, being reckless as to whether said participation or contribution could facilitate the commission of the murder of Mr Barr. The offences are alleged to have occurred between April 23 and April 25, 2016.

Gardaí had objected to bail on the grounds that they said he would be a flight risk. Mr Justice Tony Hunt, presiding, sitting with Judge Patricia Ryan and Judge Ann Ryan, yesterday said that there were matters of substance in the concerns regarding flight risk, but that the court felt ‘constrained to grant bail without any great enthusiasm for doing so’.

The court heard that Mr Aylmer will not be released from custody until the judges see the financial history of the independent surety.

The matter was adjourned until next Tuesday, March 13.