Patrick Joseph McMahon, with 113 previous convictions, sought compassionate bail to visit his ailing mother and granddaughter. However, Judge Patricia Smyth rejected the application, citing his 'very serious' criminal record and previous breach of bail conditions when he remained unlawfully at large for 43 hours.
A West Belfast man with a lengthy criminal record saw his bid for compassionate bail rejected at Belfast Crown Court on Wednesday. Patrick Joseph McMahon, a 46-year-old grandfather from Whiterock Drive, was due to be arraigned on charges related to an incident in November 2022. However, due to the ongoing barristers strike, the arraignment was postponed. McMahon had applied for compassionate bail to visit his ailing mother and granddaughter.
While the charges against McMahon include conspiracy to rob and several firearms offences, prosecutors revealed an additional charge of assisting offenders is being added to the indictment. McMahon's solicitor, Joe Hackett, stated that he would be pleading guilty to this charge, meaning the other charges would remain on the books. The charges stem from a November 2022 incident where a white van was stopped on Rosapenna Drive in Belfast. Two co-accused were found in the front of the van, while McMahon was in the back behind a partition. Prosecutors allege the van was en route to commit a robbery, with a firearm located in the front. McMahon's solicitor argued for compassionate bail, stating it was necessary for him to visit his mother and granddaughter for a few hours as they are both unwell. However, the Crown barrister objected to the application citing several reasons, including McMahon's criminal history and his previous breach of bail conditions. Last July, McMahon was granted temporary release to attend his granddaughter's Christening. Instead of returning to HMP Maghaberry as scheduled, he remained unlawfully at large for 43 hours before eventually handing himself in at Musgrave PSNI station. The Crown barrister also highlighted McMahon's history of firearms and weapons offences, as well as charges of robbery, stating that during the November 2022 incident, police believed McMahon was recruited by his co-defendants due to his experience as a robber.After considering submissions from both sides, Judge Patricia Smyth ruled against the application. She deemed McMahon's criminal record 'very serious' and his behaviour during the previous bail granted 'nothing short of disgraceful.' Judge Smyth stated that 'under no circumstances' would she grant the application. The hearing concluded with the Belfast Recorder re-listing the case for arraignment on February 3rd.
Compassionate Bail Belfast Criminal Record Firearms Offences Bail Breach Court Hearing
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