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ISIS bride Lisa Smith granted bail

Lisa Smith, a former member of the Defence Forces, travelled to Syria three years ago.
Lisa Smith, a former member of the Defence Forces, travelled to Syria three years ago. Lisa Smith, a former member of the Defence Forces, travelled to Syria three years ago.

Former Defence Forces member Lisa Smith, who is facing trial accused of ISIS membership, has been granted bail with strict conditions including a ban on accessing the internet.

Ms Smith who left Ireland and married after she converted to Islam, was located in a Syrian refugee camp and brought back to Ireland on December 1.

She was arrested and questioned for three days before she was charged with being a member of the middle-eastern terror group and was held at Limerick Prison while family members cared for her child.

The 37-year-old, who is represented by Belfast based lawyer Darragh Mackin of Pheonix Law, brought a renewed bail application to the High Court in Cloverhill on Thursday.

Special Detective Unit (SDU) Sergeant Gareth Kane objected to bail citing the seriousness of the case and possible flight risk.

However, Mr Justice Robert Eagar granted bail on strict conditions.

The media have been banned from publishing her address, but permitted to report she will reside at a location in the northeast.

Wearing a black hijab with her face visible, Ms Smith got into the witness box and after swearing on the Koran, she pleaded for bail to be with her child.

In his ruling, Mr Justice Eagar said Ms Smith was accused of membership of a terrorist organisation. It was a serious offence that could result in an eight-year sentence, he said.

However, said she was entitled to the presumption of innocence and the presumption of bail.

Bail was set in Ms Smith’s own bond of €500 which has to be lodged and the judge required an independent surety in the sum of €5,000.

She must sign on at a garda station twice daily.

Mr Justice Eagar told her she would have to remain indoors from 8pm and not leave until 7am.

She cannot leave the jurisdiction or apply for new travel documentation,

Mr Justice Eagar told her she must provide gardaí with a contact mobile phone number and must answer the phone if rung by gardaí.

He also banned her from accessing the internet or using any social media.

Ms Smith will face her next hearing on January 8, at Dublin District Court.