Murder suspect gets bail – The Irish News

A Co Armagh man charged with the murder of Odhran Kelly last year has been granted bail on strict conditions.

Shane Harte (32), of Garland Avenue, Lurgan, is charged with the murder of the 23-year-old nursing student.

Harte, his partner Crystal Redden (30), Gary Scullion (32), Andrea Stevenson (43), Stephanie McClelland (36) are each charged with offenses in connection with the murder.

During a bail application at Belfast Crown Court, prosecutor David McNeill outlined the case against the suspect.

He said police attended Edward Street, Lurgan, on December 3, following a report of a red Ford Focus car on fire at around 4.50am. The car was registered to co-suspect Andrea Stephenson, who lived at 124 Edward Street.

“The body of the deceased was found next to the vehicle. Police then found blood on the door of 128 Edward Street, Gary Scullion’s flat,” Mr McNeill said.

A post-mortem report said Mr Kelly had been hit by a hammer on the rear of the vehicle, along with a further injury caused by a machete.

Objections to bail were raised.

Defense counsel Des Fahy KC said: “The mere presence of the suspect at the scene would not be sufficient to secure a conviction for murder.”

He added that Harte is not forensically linked to the murder via any weapon or clothing.

Mr Fahy told the judge that a £5,000 cash bond has been posted to secure Harte’s release.

Judge O’Hara said he would grant bail subject to strict conditions. Along with a £5,000 cash bail, Harte will be released on his own bail of £750, report to police five times a week, adhere to a curfew from 11pm to 7am, be electronically tagged and must surrender his passport.