Shea Reynolds, a 29-year-old man from Lurgan, is in custody and charged with directing terrorism. He is also accused of membership of a proscribed organization, and conspiracy to possess Semtex explosives and firearms with intent to endanger life. Despite already having been granted compassionate bail to attend a church service in Lurgan, objections were raised at a further court hearing today. The prosecution counsel argued that allowing his release, even for a few hours, posed too great a risk of further terrorist-related offenses. However, defense barrister Desmond Hutton KC disputed the fears expressed, insisting that the suggestion that something catastrophic would result from his client being out for that four-hour window was unrealistic. On Friday, Judge Patricia Smith ruled that Reynolds could be temporarily released from custody for his son’s confirmation. Mr. Justice Scoffield backed her decision at the High Court today, agreeing that any risks could be managed by imposing even stricter conditions. Reynolds must be accompanied at all times by two solicitors from his legal firm, Phoenix Law, and must sit within the first three rows of the church, within view of a fixed camera, and between the two chaperones.
