Derry man described as 'trusted member of the New IRA' released on bail

Derry Magistrate's Court heard today that a man on explosive charges who had been described in court as 'a trusted member of the New IRA' could now be released on bail.

John Martin Kelly (43) of Columbcille Court in Derry faced a total of six charges.

He was charged with possessing explosives including two Soviet grenade heads and plastic explosives with intent to endanger life on September 7.

He was also charged with possessing explosives in suspicious circumstances on the same date.

Kelly was further charged with two counts of possessing weapons, namely a Browning firearm and a Tokarev weapon with intent to endanger life on the same date as well as having the weapons in suspicious circumstances.

At today's court Kelly was listed for a bail application and when the case was called a prosecution barrister said there would be no objection to the accused being granted bail subject to 'a raft of conditions'.

Defence counsel Gavyn Cairns said that the only condition his client would have an issue with was one of a list of 7 people that the accused is prohibited from having contact with was his son.

The prosecution said that condition could be removed and bail could be granted.

Kelly was released on bail on condition he observes a curfew, wears a tag, has no contact with six named individuals and carry a mobile phone with details given to police. 

Kelly will again on April 8.