Dissident republican granted bail variation to be with his partner's family in Derry at Christmas

A man who is charged with telling those attending a dissident republican parade in Derry that 'it is not enough to shout up the IRA, join the IRA' has applied to vary his bail conditions to allow him to spend Christmas with his partner's family in Derry.

Stephen Murney (40) of Derrybeg Terrace in Newry is charged with offences relating to a republican parade in Derry on April 10 this year, Easter Monday including inciting support for a proscribed organisation. 

The court heard that Murney's bail conditions prevent him entering the city of Derry.

A police officer said that the defendant wanted permission to attend a birthday party organised by his child's grandparents on December 23 and also to spend Christmas with his partner's family from December 24 until 28.

Police objected to the variation saying that they did not want Murney to be allowed into Derry. 

The officer said that the defendant's potential father-in-law was also on bail for what were described as 'serious terrorist offences.'

She said police would be concerned about the two being together in the one place. 

Defence counsel said that there were other people charged in connection with the Easter parade who were allowed in to Derry. 

He said that there was nothing to stop Murney' s father-in-law going to Newry and be in the defendant's company.

District Judge Oonagh Mullan said she would grant the variation to allow Murney to attend the child's party on December 23 from 12pm until 4pm.

She also said she would allow the variation so Murney could be with his partner's family between 12noon until 6pm on Christmas Day but warned that he was not allowed 'to wander around' and only attend with his partner's family.