A cousin of the murdered loyalist, Mr Samuel Rockett, Mr James William Rockett (29), of Windsor Avenue, Whitehead, has been refused compassionate bail by the Crown Court to attend his funeral.
The Belfast court, sitting in Antrim, heard that Mr Rockett's sister was prepared to guarantee to bring him from prison and return him there after the funeral. However, after a short adjournment it was revealed that Mr Rockett's sister did not drive.
Judge Corrine Philpot said in the circumstances she would have to refuse the application. She also said she was refusing bail to Mr Rockett, who is awaiting trial for a series of thefts and burglaries, because he had absconded when granted bail in the past.
However, the judge said that if a named surety could be found who was in position to guarantee bail and could personally collect and return him to jail, she would reconsider the application.