A LETTERKENNY student allegedly caught rioting after Saturday's Apprentice Boys march in Derry was yesterday granted bail in the High Court in Belfast.2,000. The Court was told that Micheal O Maoldomhraigh (23) was an "independent witness" at the riot.
Mr O Maoldomhraigh, from Doirebeath in Letterkenny, studying for his Masters in Peace Studies at the Magee Campus in Derry, of 15 men applying for bail, five of whom were refused.
A lawyer for the student said his father was "upset" at his son's alleged involvement, but would ensure he stayed out of Northern Ireland, only to return when required by the courts.
Mr Justice Pringle granted him bail of £100 and ordered that a further £2,000 in cash be lodged with the court stating he should only return to the North to attend court and Magee College when the new term begins in October.
A Crown lawyer claimed the student was arrested after being seen by police in the Great James Street area with a brick in his left hand. Earlier, he revealed that during the rioting it was estimated there were up to 500 rioters and that "hundreds of petrol bombs" were thrown at police who fired 52 baton" rounds.
Counsel said the rioting began with an attack on Derry's Strand Road RUC station several hours after the 307th Apprentice Boys parade had passed off relatively, peacefully. He added that of the 18 people arrested, two were released con police bail, while the others' were kept in custody for fear they might commit further offences.
The lawyer said some of those arrested claimed to be "independent observers" and if they were to, be believed it would appear there were more "observers" than rioters.
Those granted bail with Mr O Maldomhraigh admitted their involvement in the rioting, which Mr Justice Pringle said gave him "some hope" they would not re offend.
In their cases, Mr Justice Pringle granted them bail of £500 to £1,000 and ordered they observe a 9 p.m. curfew each evening, report twice weekly to the RUC and not drink alcohol while on bail.