Prisoner refused compassionate leave to visit sick wife
A remand prisoner at Maghaberry jail has been refused compassionate leave to visit his wife who is being treated in hospital for swelling to the brain.
21-year-old Michael Mongan from White Rise in Dunmurray faces charges linked to the aggravated burglary of a house near Maghera last June.
During the burglary a 16-year-old boy sustained a fractured skull while protecting his grandmother.
Bail was refused in case Mr Morgan fled the jurisdiction.
A solicitor for the applicant told district judge Barney McElholm at Londonderry Magistrates Court his client's mother was willing to lodge £9,000 cash with the court.
He said she was willing to collect her son from prison and return him after the hospital visit. The court was told the £9000 was money she had put aside for her daughters wedding next April.
The application was opposed by a detective constable on the grounds of fear of flight and because he believed the applicant would interfere with witnesses.
Mr McElholm said while he had every sympathy for the Mr Mongan's wife, he was a multiple offender with 69 previous convictions.
Mr McElholm refused the application and the case was adjourned until 17th October.