Odhrán Kelly: Woman charged in connection with murder bailed

Odhrán Kelly's body was found beside a burning car

A woman accused of assisting an offender in relation to the murder of Odhrán Kelly has been granted bail.

The 23-year-old's body was found beside a burning car in Maple Court, Lurgan, in the early hours of 3 December.

Stephanie McClelland, 36, from Shan Slieve in the town, appeared at Craigavon Magistrates' via videolink from Hydebank on Friday.

Bail was granted despite police objections due to the serious nature of the offence.

Speaking at court, a detective sergeant said when police visited an address connected to the burnt out car they noted blood on the handle of an adjacent address.

Upon entering they found blood in the flat, drugs paraphernalia and a large amount of cash.

Police then called at the address connected to the vehicle, Stephanie McClelland, co-accused Andrea Stevenson and a male in his underwear were present at the property as well as a 10-year-old child.

The officer said that the flat smelled of bleach and clothes were observed in the washing machine.

Ms McClelland initially denied involvement but later admitted she could be seen on CCTV carrying Mr Kelly's body.

However, she denies involvement in Mr Kelly's death and the burning of the car.

Police objected to bail stating the serious nature of the offence. They also said key witnesses needed to be interviewed and there were concerns for the accused's safety due to strong community feeling over Mr Kelly's death.

'Wrong place at the wrong time'

However, Deputy District Judge Chris Holmes granted bail to an approved address stating the seriousness of the matter was not a bar to bail and that Ms McClelland was "potentially in the wrong place at the wrong time with no previous record."

Ms McClelland was granted her own bail of £500, with conditions to have no contact with anyone involved in the case, to report to an approved police station three times a week, to observe a curfew and not to use social media.

The case was then adjourned until 16 February.

Two men, 31 year old Gary Damien scullion and 31 year old Shane Harte and are charged with Mr Kelly's murder.

43 year old Andrea Stevenson is also charged with assisting offenders.

These three defendants are scheduled to appear in court again on January 5.

A 30 year old woman is also due to appear in court on January 5 charged with perverting the course of justice.