West Belfast Man Denied Bail to Visit Sick Mother
In a recent development at Belfast Crown Court, Patrick Joseph McMahon, a 46-year-old man from Whiterock Drive in West Belfast, was denied bail to visit his sick mother and granddaughter. McMahon, who has a staggering 113 previous convictions on his criminal record, made an unsuccessful application for compassionate bail. This decision came as he was due to be arraigned on charges related to an incident in November 2022, including conspiracy to rob and several firearms offenses.
Previous Unlawful Absence
McMahon’s previous history of being unlawfully at large for 43 hours the last time he was granted bail played a significant role in the denial of his recent application. Last July, he was released for a limited period to attend his granddaughter’s Christening but failed to return to HMP Maghaberry as scheduled. Instead, he remained at large for over two days, driving around Belfast before eventually turning himself in at Musgrave PSNI station. This behavior was deemed “nothing short of disgraceful” by Judge Patricia Smyth, who cited it as a major factor in her decision.
Prosecution’s Concerns
The Crown barrister objected to McMahon’s bail application citing his extensive criminal background, which includes firearms and weapons offenses, as well as charges of robbery. During the incident in November 2022, McMahon was stopped by the police while on licence, and it was believed that his co-defendants had recruited him as an experienced robber. These concerns, along with McMahon’s previous breach of bail conditions, weighed heavily on the court’s decision to deny him temporary release.
Judge’s Verdict
After hearing submissions from both the Crown and defense, Judge Patricia Smyth ultimately decided against granting bail to McMahon. She emphasized the seriousness of his criminal record and behavior, stating that his history would clearly militate against bail being granted. Judge Smyth’s final ruling was firm: “Under no circumstances will I grant this application.” As a result, the case was re-listed for arraignment on February 3rd, leaving McMahon unable to visit his ailing mother and granddaughter.
This case highlights the complexities and challenges faced by the criminal justice system when dealing with repeat offenders. Despite McMahon’s plea for compassionate bail to see his family members in need, his past actions and criminal history ultimately overshadowed his request. The decision serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding bail conditions and the impact of individuals’ previous behavior on future legal proceedings.
