Dundrum man accused of murder is freed on bail

Dundrum man accused of murder is freed on bail

12 December 2012

A DUNDRUM man accused of a Ballynahinch murder has been released on bail.

John Stanley Foster (30) who is accused of murdering David Mills in Dromore Street on September 30, was released after a bail hearing at Downpatrick Court on Thursday.

Foster, of Carrigvale, appeared at the court via videolink from Maghaberry Prison.

A detective told the court the PSNI objected to bail because of the risk to his safety from those who “were angered by Mr. Mills’ death.”

“We feel it would be a risk to release this defendant,” the officer said, citing messages which had been posted on the social networking site Facebook.

Foster’s solicitor said his client has a partner and four children and was previously given a day of compassionate bail to see his youngest child, who was born this autumn.

District Judge Mr Greg McCourt decided to release Foster on strict bail conditions to reside with his mother in Newcastle.

“We can’t allow Facebook to dictate whether or not someone gets bail,” Mr. McCourt said.

Foster was released on his own bail of £900 and a surety from his mother of £1,000. His bail conditions state that he must be electronically tagged, report to the local police station three times a week, have a nightly curfew and must not consume alcohol or enter licensed premises.

He also is not allowed to contact the family of the deceased of any witnesses in the case and is not allowed to enter Ballynahinch.

“Any breach of these terms will result in you being arrested,” Mr. McCourt said.

The case was adjourned to Downpatrick Court sitting on January 17.