Murder accused granted bail at Derry Court

Twenty-four-years-old Finbar McCoy from Loughbeg Road, Toomebridge, had been remanded in custody since January 20 after being charged with the murder of 28-year-old James McDonagh.

The victim, who was from Castledawson, was critically injured during an incident outside the Elk Bar in the early hours of January 10 and died the following day at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast.

At Derry Magistrate’s Court yesterday, Finbar McCoy was released on his own bail of £2,000 with a cash surety of £2,000 after the court heard that the proposed conditions were agreeable to the PSNI.

The court heard that McCoy must reside at an address approved by the PSNI.

This address was not made public to the court ‘in the interest of the defenant.’

It was also stipulated that the defendant must sign at a nominated police station three times a week and observe a curfew between the hours of 10 pm and 6 am each day.

Other conditions set down were that McCoy must surrender his passport; not apply for a new passport and must not enter Toomebridge between 7 pm and 7 am.

The court also ruled that the defendant must not come into contact with witnesses for the Crown or others charged in connection with the incident.

Also, he must not consume alcohol and will have to wear an electronically monitored tag.

Defence counsel told the court that the case “was a tragedy for all concerned.”

The District Judge at Derry Magistrate’s Court, Mr Barney McElholm, granted the defendant bail based on the stipulations agreed by the PSNI.

The defendant is due to appear before the court again on March 10th next.