‘COLOUR PARTY’ 6 IN COURT OVER PARADE
Heavy security presence as dissident march accused are released on bail
SIX men appeared in court yesterday charged in connection with a dissident republican parade.
A police officer said they were members of a “colour party” during an event in Lurgan, Co Armagh, on Saturday, at which they wore berets and other paramilitary-style clothing.
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.
The six were: Eamon Green, 30, of Falls Road, West Belfast; Christopher Hamill, 28, from Lurgan Tarry in Lurgan, Martin Conlon, 48, of Tarry Drive, Lurgan; Emmet Donnan, 30, of Colin Mill in Dunmurry; Matthew O’donnell, 39, from Lislane Drive, Derry and Gary Doherty, 36, of Old Mountfield Road, Omagh, Co Tyrone.
There was a heavy security presence at Lisburn Magistrates Court as the men appeared in the dock in handcuffs and surrounded by PSNI officers.
They did not acknowledge the court when asked to identify themselves and supporters cheered them from the public gallery.
An officer told the court: “All the defendants were arrested at a dissident parade that took place at Levin Road, Lurgan.”
He said they were all members of the “colour party” and were arrested while speeches were ongoing.
He added warnings were given that the parade was illegal and unlawful. While questioned in custody none of the men, who are all on benefits, made any comment. District judge Amanda Henderson released all six on their own bail of £500. They were ordered to observe a curfew and will appear again on April 27.