Alleged New IRA man granted permission to move to Claudy area

A County Derry man, who is one of three individuals facing charges linked to threats against drug dealers and users in Dungiven earlier this year, has been granted permission to live in the Claudy area.

Dermot Burke, whose address was given on court papers as Drum Road, Dungiven, had his bail conditions varied at this morning's sitting of Limavady Magistrates Court.

The 59 year-old's solicitor, Paddy McGurk, applied for a bail variation to to allow his client to live at a property five miles outside of Dungiven.

Burke is accused of belonging to or professing to belong to a proscribed organisation, namely the IRA.

He is further charged with possession of a handgun with intent to cause fear or violence and possession of an offensive weapon, namely an iron bar in a public place.

The alleged offences are connected to an incident which happened in Dungiven on January 19, during which three masked individuals entered numerous bars and a GAA club in the town claiming they were from the New IRA and gave verbal warnings and threats about drug activity in the area.

During this morning's hearing, a prosecutor told the court that she was opposed to the bail variation to live at an address in Claudy due to its close proximity to Dungiven.

The prosecutor said that the majority of evidence in the case is CCTV footage however there are also 'live witnesses' and there is a concern that Burke could potentially contact or interfere with those witnesses.

Solicitor Paddy McGurk said Burke had previously been granted permission to live at another address however it was 'not conducive to a comfortable family life'.

He said that a 'well respected' businessman has offered him the chance to rent a property belonging to him in the Claudy area.

He stated that Burke is 'a vulnerable man' who is having difficulty dealing with the fact that he has been separated from his large family circle.

Mr McGurk added that it will likely be some time before a trial takes place and urged District Judge Peter King to grant the bail variation.

An investigating officer said police had visited the address in the Claudy area and have no issues with it.

District Judge Peter King said he would grant the bail variation to allow Burke to reside at the property.

He also ordered that the property owner sign a surety of £750 and reiterated that Burke is not to enter Dungiven as defined by the 30mph zones.