Headline: Man Denied Bail on Serious Charges, Unable to Meet New Granddaughter Summary: A local man, currently facing significant legal charges, has been denied bail, preventing him from meeting his newborn granddaughter. This situation raises questions about the implications of serious charges on familial relationships and the emotional toll on both the accused and their loved ones. Key Details: Subject: Man Facing Serious Legal Charges Status: Bail Denied Impact: Inability to meet newborn...
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A recent court ruling has refused bail for a man charged with murder linked to ongoing dissident republican conflicts in Northern Ireland. The decision underscores the persistent violence affecting the region.
Hugh Black, 51, faces allegations related to the fatal shooting of Danny McClean in north Belfast in February.
Black, a painter and decorator, is also associated with an assassination attempt on taxi driver Sean O’Reilly that occurred in the previous year.
Details of the charges against Hugh Black
Black is currently in custody, facing serious accusations of murder and attempted murder.
During a recent session at the Belfast Magistrates’ Court, a judge denied his request for compassionate bail, citing insufficient merit in the application. Authorities believe both incidents are linked to the dissident republican group Oglaigh na hEireann (ONH), which is embroiled in internal conflict.
The tragic death of Danny McClean
In the incident leading to the murder charge, Danny McClean, 54, was shot multiple times while seated in his vehicle on Cliftonville Road. Surveillance footage shows an individual with a distinctive gait exiting a Vauxhall Vectra and approaching McClean’s Audi Q2 before opening fire. A gait analysis supports the assertion that Black was the shooter, along with a partial vehicle registration match linked to him.
Black was initially arrested shortly after the shooting but released without charges. However, investigations have since connected him to the attempted murder of O’Reilly that unfolded in February.
Attempt on Sean O’Reilly’s life
The attack on O’Reilly involved two gunmen who targeted him while he was inside his Skoda Octavia taxi at a cab firm in west Belfast. O’Reilly sustained serious injuries from gunfire that struck his shoulder blade and collarbone. One of the assailants was hindered by a malfunctioning weapon that failed to fire.
Evidence linking Black to the attempted murder
Following the attack, investigators discovered both firearms hidden in nearby bushes. Tests revealed that one of these firearms had been used in McClean’s murder. Despite denying any involvement in both incidents, police allege that Black acted as a lookout during the assassination attempt. His legal team contends that there is no forensic evidence or eyewitness testimony linking him to the crimes.
Judicial considerations and future proceedings
Having been in custody since May of the previous year, Black sought temporary release to visit his granddaughter, born a month ago. His defense attorney, John Mackell, underscored the emotional importance of this meeting.
Conversely, a detective involved in the case emphasized the seriousness of the charges Black faces, arguing that the bail application was not urgent since the child had already been born. Deputy District Judge Gerard Trainor ultimately ruled against Black’s request, stating it lacked sufficient merit for compassionate bail. The case is set to resume on March 11, when further proceedings will take place.
