Family protest at treatment of son
The family of a young Fermanagh man, accused of assaulting two local businessmen, held a protest outside the head office of Quinn Industrial Holdings (QIH) last Friday to highlight the detention in prison of James Bernard McGovern, who has been refused bail five times to date on the charges against him.
Most recently, in June, Bernard (23) was remanded in custody after a Book of Evidence was served on him at Cavan District Court.
He is charged with assaulting Kevin Lunney and Dara O'Reilly, causing them harm, at the Apple Green Service Station café at Rakeelan near Ballyconnell, Co Cavan, on February 1, 2019.
If convicted, Mr McGovern, who has an address at Springtown Road, Kinawley, Co Fermanagh, faces up to five years' imprisonment on each count.
He first appeared before the court in relation to the charges having been arrested on foot of an warrant issued at Cavan District Court back in June 13, 2019.
Part of the argument put forward by the State for refusing bail was that the young man was considered a potential fight risk and, if released, would not return to this jurisdiction to stand trial.
But his family contest this, and in a statement provided to media as part of Friday's protest, they say: “Currently, Bernard has been incarcerated in Castlerea Prison, Co Roscommon for eight weeks, since 4th June having been refused bail on five separate occasions despite significant bail conditions being put forward. The State suggest he is a flight risk but, if Bernard is released on bail, he is going nowhere, he is going to contest these matters in court.”
They say he is entitled to the presumption of innocence and, as such, believe he should be granted bail.
The McGovern family, who braved torrential weather to stage their public protest, further claim that attempts have been made in the media “to link Bernard by proxy to other more significant incidents, which Bernard has had nothing to do with".
They conclude by saying that any attempts to “criminalise” the McGovern family “will be fought”.
“We have instructed legal representatives on both sides of the border to fight these allegations and pursue justice for Bernard and our family.”
Pic above: The family of Bernard McGovern protest outside the head office of Quinn Industrial Holdings in Derrylin on Friday morning. From left: Brother Kevin, father Sean, mother Teresa and brother Patrick. Photo: Lorraine Teevan