Union flag protest leader Jamie Bryson has been freed on bail after nearly a month in jail. The 23-year-old Ulster People's Forum chairman is facing six charges linked to the ongoing flags dispute, including encouraging or assisting offences and taking part in un-notified public processions.
He has been refused bail twice in the High Court, but on Wednesday in Belfast Magistrates’ Court his lawyer said Mr Bryson had agreed to 11 conditions laid down by police who were no longer objecting to his release.
Among the conditions are that Mr Bryson does not take part in protests, give speeches or media interviews about the flags issue or use social media to make any comments before, during or after protests.
He also agreed not to go within a mile of any protests or within four miles of Belfast City Hall except to attend court. The only telecommunications device he can use is a landline phone with the purpose of contacting his solicitor. Mr Bryson has to live at his family home at Rosepark in Donaghadee and observe a curfew from 8pm each night.
He was granted bail of £500, and his mother Louise who was in court agreed to stand surety for him in a similar amount.
He will be back in court on April 25th.
Outside the court a number of Mr Bryson’s relatives hugged each other after bail was granted.