Derry Court: Prosecution to appeal bail of man in connection with Easter dissident republican march

The prosecution in the case of a Newry man charged in connection with the dissident republican march in Derry on Easter Monday are to appeal a decision to release him on bail.

Stephen Murney (39) of Derrybeg Terrace in Newry faced three charges of encouraging and inciting support for a proscribed organisation namely the IRA on April 10 and making a speech on that date which encouraged support. 

A police officer connected the accused to the charges and opposed bail. 

The court heard from a police officer that an unnotified parade had taken place in Derry on April 10.

He said that police had come under attack from youths throwing petrol bombs prior to the march. 

The court heard that the parade was led by a colour party dressed in 'combat fatigues' and Murney was seen in the vicinity. 

The officer said that a wreath was placed at the Republican Plot by one of the masked colour party on behalf of the Derry Brigade of the IRA. 

The court heard that Murney gave a speech in which he said that they would commemorate 'our heroes'. 

At the end of the speech Murney was alleged to have quoted the late Marie Drumm who said 'it is not enough to shout up the IRA but join the IRA.' 

Bail was opposed due to the risk of re-offending as the officer said 'in a terrorist context' and risk of flight. 

The officer said that Murney attended international conferences with 'like minded people' and so had contacts abroad. 

A defence barrister Michael Ford said his client had given police a prepared statement in which he referred to 'an historical quote' from Marie Drumm. 

He said that Murney had been at liberty since the April 10 incident and had not left the jurisdiction. 

District Judge Barney McElholm said that at Easter there was 'this shower of clowns' and in July 'another shower of clowns'. 

He said that his views on ideology were clear and while it was 'a hate filled speech I have heard worse from politicians across the water.' 

The judge said that people were trying to drag us backwards but agreed to release Murney on bail. 

Bail was set at £750 and is not to attend any march or rally, not to enter Derry and not to be in any company of more than 6 people. 

Murney will appear again on June 8.