The British Crown Prosecution Service yesterday lost an application to overturn a decision to grant conditional bail to a man from Co Galway who has been charged with the murder of his wife.
Mr Justice Stephens rejected the application to rescind the granting of bail after a 30-minute hearing in chambers at the Old Bailey in London.
He ordered the release from custody on conditional bail of Mr Patrick Folan, who is charged with the murder of his wife, Michelle Folan, between October 16th, 1981 and June 2nd, 1999.
The CPS challenge arose after a hearing at Brent Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, when the magistrate, Mr Neil McKittrick, decided to release Mr Folan from custody on conditional bail.
Mr Folan was rearrested and held in Pentonville Prison in London pending the outcome of the Old Bailey hearing.
Mr Justice Stephens set a £10,000 sterling surety and ordered an additional £10,000 security to be lodged with the court.
Mr Folan was ordered to reside at a London address and to make himself available for medical reports. He was also ordered not to apply for a passport. He is due to appear again at Brent Magistrates' Court on June 20th.
Construction workers discovered Mrs Folan's remains in the grounds of a disused hospital in Archway, north London, last June.