Men appear in court in North over dissident illegal parades

SIX men have been brought before a judge following a dissident republican parade in the North.

They were members of a ‘colour party’ during an event in Lurgan, Co. Armagh, a police officer said, and were wearing berets, green uniforms and other paramilitary-style clothing.

They did not acknowledge the proceedings at Lisburn Magistrates’ Court when they were asked to identify themselves.

They were accused of taking part in an unnotified public procession and having clothing or articles as a member or a supporter of an outlawed organisation.

Supporters applauded and cheered them from the public gallery.

District judge Amanda Henderson released them on bail.

An officer told the court: ‘All six defendants were arrested at a dissident parade that took place at Levin Road, Lurgan.’

He said they were all members of the ‘colour party’ associated with the parade and were arrested while speeches were ongoing.

The officer said that warnings were given that the parade was illegal and unlawful.

‘All six were arrested by police [and were] wearing berets, scarves, sun glasses, belts.’

He said flags used included the Starry Plough and the Tricolour.

Similar parades were held in Milltown, west Belfast, and Dublin, part of what the officer remarked was an organised group of illegal parades.

The Northern demonstrations were not notified to the Parades Commission which adjudicates and sets conditions.

The six were: Eamon Green, 30, from Falls Road, Belfast; Christopher Hamill, 28, from Lurgan; Martin Conlon, 48, also from Lurgan; Emmet Donnan, 30, from Dunmurry, Belfast; Matthew O’Donnell, 39, from Derry; and Gary Doherty, 36, from Omagh, Co. Tyrone.

They are to appear again in court on April 27.