A man who allegedly issued threats in the name of the New IRA at a series of pubs has obtained High Court permission to remove his “inconvenient” electronic tag.
Michael Conwell was granted the relaxation in his bail conditions after a judge heard that neither of his co-accused have to wear monitoring devices.
The 30-year-old is facing prosecution amid claims that he “led the charge” when a masked group went from bar to bar in Dungiven, Co Derry earlier this year armed with a gun and metal poles.
Conwell, of Lettershendony Avenue in Drumahoe, is charged with belonging to a proscribed organisation and possessing a handgun.
Prosecutors claim he was among three men who declared they were ready to take action against suspected drug dealing in order to “clean up the bars”.
The masked men were said to have entered four pubs and a GAA club in the Dungiven area on January 19 claiming to be from the New IRA.
CCTV footage seized by detectives allegedly connects him to vehicles used by the masked gang.
An examination of mobile phones also links Conwell to one of his co-defendants, according to the case against him.
He denies any involvement in the incidents.
Conwell was granted bail in June under strict terms, which included a prohibition on entering Dungiven and the lodging of a £5,000 cash surety.
He was also ordered to abide by a curfew and wear an electronic tag.
In court on Monday he applied to vary those conditions by requesting permission to remove the monitoring device.
“It would appear the application… is on the basis of inconvenience and as the two co-accused are not subject to tagging,” prosecution counsel said.
Objecting to the request, she contended that Conwell’s circumstances are different.
“It’s alleged that he was the main instigator of these incidents,” she submitted.
“He was the one carrying the firearm, the first through the door of each establishment and the one who spoke.”
Defence barrister Sean Mullan argued that his client should be treated equally to the co-accused.
“The (tag) has also caused some issues in terms of family life,” Mr Mullan added.
Granting the application, Mr Justice Kinney stressed Conwell still remains subject to a curfew.
The judge confirmed: “I consider it is appropriate to allow the variation, and I will have the tag removed”.