Hyde Park bomb accused granted bail ahead of extradition hearing on murder charges

A 66-year-old man from Donegal has been granted bail by the High Court pending an extradition hearing to face charges in Northern Ireland. The man was arrested at his home in Creeslough on a European Arrest Warrant relating to the deaths of two UDR soldiers killed in an explosion in Enniskillen in 1972, and charges connected to the 1982 Hyde Park bombing in London. He was released on bail comprising his own bond of €5,000 and an independent surety of €30,000. The High Court judge found bail appropriate despite serious allegations, noting residential ties and family connections reduced flight risk. Bail conditions require him to sign on daily at Letterkenny Garda Station, reside at his registered address, maintain contact with gardaí, and remain within the State. His defence counsel has indicated objections to extradition will be raised, including arguments regarding immunity under the Good Friday Agreement and abuse of process. A full extradition hearing is scheduled for 23 November.