Bail conditions changed

A solicitor for Gary Martin Marshall, originally from Lurgan but now with an address at The Beeches, Portadown, said his client had real concerns about reporting at a certain time to Portadown police station.

Marshall is charged with the murder of Kevin Conway between February 16 and February 19, 1998.

He explained that the accused’s brother had been murdered while reporting at a police station.

The solicitor wanted the daily reporting set aside, saying that a £5,000 surety which was in place and the fact that Marshall had strong links within the community would satisfy any concerns the police would have.

Detective Sergeant Brown objected to the removal of the signing on condition.

He said that due to the serious nature of the charge there were concerns the accused may abscond and fail to appear at court.

The officer explained that the roots of the case were firmly based in Lurgan.

The victim had been abducted from his home in Lurgan and his widow still lived at the same address.

He said it would cause concerns if Marshall signed at Lurgan station because he was known to members of the victim’s family.

District Judge, Mr Mervyn Bates, said bail conditions so far had been kept and he varied bail so that Marshall did not have to report at Portadown at any particular time but he must still report daily.

The court heard that the investigation is ongoing and the case was adjourned until March 19.