LURGAN, NORTHERN IRELAND – A man accused of the murder of Odhrán Kelly in Lurgan has been denied bail. Shane Harte, 31, appeared before Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Friday via videolink from Maghaberry. He is charged with the murder of Mr. Kelly, who was found near a burnt out car in the Edward Street area of Lurgan on December 3 last year.
There are five people in total charged in connection with Mr. Kelly’s murder: Gary Scullion is also charged with murder, while Andrea Stevenson and Stephanie McClelland are charged with assisting an offender. Crystal Redden is charged with perverting the course of justice by making a false statement.
During the court appearance, a police detective sergeant described a “horrific scene” at a block of flats on Edward Street. Evidence showed that a violent attack had taken place, leading to Mr. Kelly’s death.
The detective sergeant provided details of Shane Harte’s movements on the night of the murder, including his visits to the flats and his interactions with the other defendants. The prosecution argued against granting bail to Harte, citing concerns about his violent history, potential flight risk, and interference with the course of justice.
In response to the police objection to bail, the defendant’s defense barrister stated that the objections to bail were somewhat unusual and highlighted that two others charged in the case had been granted bail. However, the bail application was refused by District Judge Francis Rafferty, citing Harte’s history of violence and the risk of flight.
The case is set to be heard again in early March, as the investigation and legal proceedings continue.