Protesters released on bail after detention

FOUR men who brought High Court challenges against the legality of their prison detention on public order charges arising out of protests over the visit of Queen Elizabeth have been released on bail.

The four are: Sofian Murphy, aged 25, The Grove, Inse Bay, Laytown, Co Meath; Sean Connolly, aged 32, Bernand Curtis House, Bluebell, Dublin 12; Dermot Douglas, aged 46 of Mellowes Road, Finglas, Dublin 11; and Martin Heffernan, aged 37, Anne Street Prosperous, Co Kildare.

Yesterday, the High Court was told the state was consenting to the release on bail from Cloverhill Prison of the four. Following their arrest on Tuesday they were brought before Cloverhill District Court on public order charges, which are alleged to have occurred at Blessington St in Dublin 7.

They were remanded in custody with consent to bail by Judge Patrick Clyne. The judge granted them bail on conditions including that they lodge €300 cash and to stay out certain postal areas of Dublin save for court appearances.

At the High Court yesterday afternoon Mr Justice Michael Peart was informed that none of the men were able to meet the terms of the bail conditions as they are all of limited means.