Prisoner: Give me bail so I won’t get coronavirus in Maghaberry

Stephen Samuel Thompson is currently facing 14 offences linked to an incident in Belfast last February, and an additional two drugs offences dating back to last July.

The 41-year old, from Main Street in Greyabbey, was detained after a car crashed into a garden wall on February 23, 2019. Drugs and an air pistol were recovered from the vehicle, and Thompson was later arrested.

A barrister acting on Thompson’s behalf launched a bail application at Belfast Crown Court on the grounds he wanted to be released from Maghaberry to avoid exposure to Coronavirus in prison, and to offer assistance to his partner, three children and father in the current climate.

Crown barrister David McNeill said police were opposing Thompson’s release for several reasons, including fears of further offending.

Revealing Thompson has 125 previous convictions on his criminal record which include breaches of court orders as well as firearms and drugs offences, Mr McNeill said: “This is someone who has a difficulty complying with court orders and complying with lawful authorities.”

Mr McNeill also revealed that the proposed bail address, which is that of his partner and their three children, has been deemed as unsuitable “given the nature of the offences” he has been charged with.

Mr McNeill noted Thompson’s desire “not to be exposed to any virus in prison”.

Defence barrister Eoin McDonald told Judge Stephen Fowler QC that if released, his client “will not engage in any nefarious activity as he does not want to risk going back into custody.”

Describing HMP Maghaberry as a “potential petri dish”, Mr McDonald said Thompson would adhere to any bail conditions.

Judge Fowler noted Thompson’s criminal record and said: “Unfortunately his promises that he will abide by all conditions are somewhat hollow bearing in mind the offences he has been charged with. I am quite satisfied he is not a suitable candidate.”