Odhr谩n Kelly: Bail for woman charged over Lurgan murder

Image source, Social Media

Image caption, Odhr谩n Kelly's body was found beside a burning car
  • Author, Cormac Campbell
  • Role, 大象传媒 News NI south-east reporter

A second woman accused of assisting an offender in relation to the murder of Odhr谩n Kelly has been granted bail.

The 23-year-old's body was found beside a burning car in Maple Court, Lurgan, in the early hours of 3 December.

Andrea Stevenson, 43, appeared at Craigavon Magistrates' Court via videolink from Hydebank Prison.

Police had objected to bail based on a perceived risk of interference, with the defendant's 10-year-old daughter seen as a key witness.

Speaking at court, a detective sergeant said police also had concerns for the defendant's safety due to community feeling in relation to the case.

The officer added that Ms Stevenson was initially uncooperative but later gave an account.

A defence barrister highlighted that his client had ultimately assisted police.

'Thank you your worship'

He also said bail was granted to a co-accused, Stephanie McClelland, who is also charged with assisting an offender and that Ms Stevenson has an address which is agreeable to police.

District Judge Francis Rafferty granted bail on the condition she not come within 10 miles of Lurgan; that she reports to the police three time a week; presents herself to bail checks; and does not use social media.

The judge also said Ms Stevenson must have no contact with witnesses or her co-accused but did say she could see her daughter, who is living with her biological father, provided they do not discuss the case.

In response Ms Stevenson said: "Yes, 100%, thank you your worship. Thank you."

The court also heard updates in the case against the two 31-year-old men charged with Mr Kelly's murder.

Neither Shane Harte nor Gary Damien Scullion appeared in court but prosecutors said a large full file will be available on 18 January.

A fifth defendant in the case, 30-year-old Crystal Angela Redden, of Garland Avenue in Lurgan, made her first appearance in court on Friday morning.

She is charged with perverting the course of justice by making a false statement. No objection to her release on bail was made.

All of the accused will appear in court again in February.