Alan Bradley granted bail pending remission challenge

This report is a localnews.ie summary based on public court reporting and records; sources are listed below.

Alan Bradley was granted bail pending determination of his High Court challenge to his continued imprisonment. Ms Justice Miriam O’Regan heard that the State opposed his action but consented to bail. The proceedings were reported on 20 September 2016.

Bradley and his brother Wayne pleaded guilty in the Circuit Criminal Court to conspiring to steal cash from Chubb Ireland. The offence concerned a security van transporting almost €1 million at Tesco, Celbridge, Co Kildare, in November 2007. He was sentenced in April 2012 to nine years, dating from 14 February 2012, with the final two years suspended. On appeal, the sentence was reduced to eight years with 18 months suspended.

He sought to quash two refusals by the Minister for Justice to grant enhanced remission. He claimed entitlement to one-third remission, citing prison courses including crime awareness, anger management and peace education. He also said his skills in personal training and event management would help him start a business, reduce his likelihood of reoffending and support his return to the community.

Bradley claimed one-third remission would have entitled him to release from Portlaoise Prison towards the end of June 2016. The report said that, if granted normal one-quarter remission, he would be entitled to release in December 2016.

Micheál P. O’Higgins SC said Bradley must reside at his Kentstown home and observe an 11pm–7am curfew. His passport was surrendered and he undertook not to leave the jurisdiction. He must sign in weekly at Ashbourne Garda station, provide gardaí with his mobile number within 24 hours of release, and provide his own €1,000 bond plus a €2,000 independent surety.

Alice Fawcitt SC, appearing with barrister Peter Leonard for the State, said the State would seek an early hearing.

This case may have concluded differently. The outcome has not yet been confirmed by a public source we could find.