Mongan murder accused freed on bail

Published Friday, 28 August 2009
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One of three people accused of the brutal murder of John Mongan in west Belfast last year has been freed for a second time on bail.

Mr Mongan was battered to death in his Fallswater Street home in front of his pregnant wife on February 7 last year.

Edward Gabriel Stokes, 37, who denies murdering Mr Mongan, was arrested earlier this week in breach of his original bail granted last September.

Belfast Crown Court, sitting in the High Court, heard that a drunken Stokes was arrested for criminal damage in Irvinestown.

Prosecuting lawyer Gary McCrudden said Storkes, who gave a false names, address and date of birth was not only in breach of his curfew condition but was also almost 50 miles from where he was supposed to reside at Cornshell Fields, Steelstown, Londonderry.

Mr McCrudden said while he was opposing bail, if the court were to grant it, he would ask for a further bail condition of not consuming alcohol be added.

Mr Justice Gillen said while it was a very serious matter, he was "of a mind" to renew the bail, with the added condition, as this was the first breach in the year-long bail.

© Press Association