A Derry man accused of a murder plot was freed by a Belfast court yesterday because he needs specialist treatment for haemophilia.
Mr Justice Kerr heard that Mr Brian Patrick McGuigan (38), from Draperstown, needs hospital treatment for his condition. The court also heard that two of Mr McGuigan's brothers have already died from haemophilia and that if he is not properly treated he, too, could die.
Mr McGuigan, who denies conspiracy to murder and possessing a grenade-launcher and AKM assault rifle last January, was freed on £1,000 bail on condition he reports twice weekly to police and observes a 9 p.m. curfew.
The court heard he was arrested with others after police became suspicious of two cars parked in the village of Dungiven, Co Derry, and later uncovered the grenadelauncher and the rifle and ammunition during a follow-up operation.
A defence lawyer said Mr McGuigan and four of his brothers were haemophiliacs, and that one had died at 37 from the hereditary disease in October 1996, while a second had died on St Stephen's Day at the age of 31.
The lawyer added that, because of his condition, Mr McGuigan had already had both knee joints replaced and, while he has been seen by doctors in the Maze, the appropriate treatment is not readily available there. Dr Elizabeth Mayne said that if Mr McGuigan was not treated within weeks his condition would deteriorate and he, too, could die. Freeing him, Mr Justice Kerr said normally bail would not be granted in such a serious case, but that Mr McGuigan, "in order to enjoy any realistic prospect of survival, will require treatment".