Court releases man on bail in dissident investigation
A 47-year-old man arrested in January following garda investigations into dissident terrorist activity in Co Galway has been released on bail at the Special Criminal Court.
Thomas Coffey (aged 47), of One Hundred Acres, Monivea, Athenry, was charged with the unlawful possession of an explosive substance - ammonium nitrate - at One Hundred Acres, Monivea on January 26.
He was also charged with the unlawful possession of a revolver and five rounds of ammunition at the same address on the same date.
Mr Coffey, who appeared in court wearing a dark suit and open white shirt, saw the non-jury court approve his application for bail this morning after a cash sum of €20,000 was lodged on his behalf.
Solicitor Mr Michael O’Donovan told presiding judge Mr Justice Paul Butler that the State would acquiesce to bail provided a large list of conditions were met.
He said these included the provisions that Mr Coffey sign in at his local Garda Station three times a week between 9am and 9pm and that he reside solely at his home address in Monivea.
Mr O’Donovan said the accused was to surrender his passport, and could not apply for another one or leave the Republic of Ireland. He would not associate with anyone convicted of or charged with a scheduled offence, would not contact any proposed prosecution witnesses in the case against him and would ensure the mobile phone number he provided to gardaí was contactable at all times.
His co-accused Thomas Hughes (aged 40), of An Tuairin, Dublin Road, Tuam, Co Galway, was remanded in custody with liberty to apply for bail.
Mr Hughes was charged with the unlawful possession of an explosive substance - ammonium nitrate - at One Hundred Acres, Monivea, Co Galway on January 24.
He was also charged with the unlawful possession of a revolver and 62 rounds of ammunition at An Tuairin, Tuam on January 26.
