March 9, 2003 Terror Accused Granted Bail
The woman appeared at the High Court in BelfastA mother of eight charged in connection with the activities of ( so-called) dissident republicans has been granted bail.

Mary Lavelle, 46, from Lettergreen Road in Donagh, County Fermanagh, was arrested last week along with her 51-year-old husband, Michael, and son Emmet, aged 26.

They were charged with a number of offences, including membership of the Continuity IRA, after police seized guns and ammunition in Donagh last week.

Mrs Lavelle was charged with conspiracy to cause an explosion and having a bomb firing mechanism, balaclavas, paper suits and vehicle registration plates.

At the High Court on Thursday, a detective said it was his understanding that all three continued to deny knowledge of what was found.

He said it was the view of the police that Mrs Lavelle could be admitted to bail provided there were stringent conditions.

Lord Justice Nicholson said Mrs Lavelle was lucky the police had taken a sympathetic view.

Mrs Lavelle was released on her own bail of £500 with two sureties of £1,000 each and ordered to report daily to police at Newtownbutler.

The judge said the fact he had granted her bail should not be taken into account in any way if bail applications are made by her husband and son.