EIGHT dissident republicans have faced Derry Magistrates’ Court this morning over an illegal Easter Saoradh organised parade in the city earlier this month.
The men are charged with taking part in an unnotified public procession in the Creggan area of Derry on Monday, April 2, contrary to section 6 of the Public Processions (NI) Act 1998
All eight deny the charge.
The accused have been released on continuing bail until 30 May.
There was a large police presence both inside and outside Bishop Street Courthouse for their appearance today.
The men to have appeared in court are:
- William Martin McDonnell, 31, of Harvey Street
- Paul McIntyre, 50, of Ballymagowan Park
- John Patrick Nash, 64, of Fergleen Park
- Thomas Ashe Mellon, 42, of Rathmore Road
- Gary Hayden, 45, of Tyrconnell Street
- Joseph Barr, 29, of Sackville Court
- Patrick Mellon, 26, of John Friel Place
- Andrew Carlin, 30, of Woodvale Mew
A ninth defendant – Gearoid Peter Cavanagh, 29, of Northland Road in the city – was not in court due to illness.
Barr denies a further charge of exhibiting to public view an image of an armed snowman stating “Wishing You An Explosive Christmas” in premises at Chamberlain Street on October 23, 2017.
Saoradh held a press conference at Junior McDaid House attacking police handling of Easter Monday parade in Derry
McDonnell also faces the same charge in connection to the snowman painting and also with painting the “obscene or indecent image”
All eight men were released on continuing bail until their next court appearance on Wednesday, May 9.
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