Victim's brother granted bail

Compassionate bail was granted yesterday to a brother of the loyalist feud victim, Mr Samuel Rockett (21), who was shot dead …

Compassionate bail was granted yesterday to a brother of the loyalist feud victim, Mr Samuel Rockett (21), who was shot dead on Wednesday night.

Mr Arthur Rockett (33), from Workman Avenue in the Woodvale area of Belfast, applied for bail to attend his brother's funeral today. Opposing the application, a Crown lawyer told the High Court yesterday Mr Rockett was bringing a gun from the country for use in Belfast when he was arrested.

He is charged with possessing a loaded revolver and 26 rounds of ammunition with intent to endanger life.

The lawyer said Mr Rockett was believed to be a member of the UVF, and it was feared that if he was released he might get involved again.

READ MORE

Mr Justice Gillen said the courts had a duty to protect law-abiding citizens, but justice must be tempered with compassion. "Despite the dangers outlined I will take the exceptional step of granting bail," he said.

The judge warned two men who agreed to act as sureties in the sum of £5,000 each that they must remain in Mr Rockett's presence throughout his short period of freedom.