Man arrested in connection with Newry courthouse bomb attack is granted bail

The Special Criminal Court has granted bail to a Co Meath resident who was arrested in connection with a bomb attack on Newry courthouse four years ago and charged with IRA membership last week.

Darren Weldon (43) was arrested last Tuesday by members of the special detective Unit as part of an investigation into the attack on Newry courthouse on February 22nd, 2010.

Mr Weldon, with an address at Drinadaly, Trim, was charged with membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Óglaigh na hÉireann, otherwise the IRA on October 14th last.

Detective Garda Kieran Regan had told State Solicitor Mr Liam Mulholland that he formally arrested Darren Weldon last week on Mellowes Road, Finglas, Dublin 11.

Det Gda Regan had said that when he met Mr Weldon in the precincts of the court last Thursday morning and cautioned him, the accused man replied: “I’d just like to state that I am not now and never have been a member of the IRA.”

Counsel for Mr Weldon, Philipp Rahn BL, made an application to the Special Criminal Court this morning for bail.

There was no objection by the State and bail conditions had been agreed, Mr Rahn said. Mr Weldon is required to sign on daily at a local Garda station, surrender his passport, provide his mobile phone number to gardaí­ and be of good behaviour.

Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy, presiding alongside Ms Justice Margaret Heneghan and Judge Cormac Dunne, admitted Mr Weldon for bail.

The court heard that the book of evidence will be served at a later date.