Northern Ireland

Christopher Meli murder accused has bail revoked

Lee Smyth (21) is awaiting trial in connection with the December 2015 murder of west Belfast father-of-one Christopher Meli (20)
Lee Smyth (21) is awaiting trial in connection with the December 2015 murder of west Belfast father-of-one Christopher Meli (20) Lee Smyth (21) is awaiting trial in connection with the December 2015 murder of west Belfast father-of-one Christopher Meli (20)

A 21-year-old accused of murder has had his bail revoked after a judge said he "seems to be incapable" of complying with the conditions.

Lee Smyth is due to face trial later this year on charges arising from the December 2015 murder of west Belfast father-of-one Christopher Meli (20).

Smyth - who Belfast Crown Court heard has been "in and out of custody for a very substantial period of time since the terrible events that give rise to this case arose" - was arrested for further breaches of bail this month.

A Crown prosecutor said the latest breaches since he was last granted bail on January 18 were against a "constellation" of previous breaches.

On that occasion, Smyth was ordered to reside at an address in Co Antrim with conditions including observing a 7pm to 7am curfew, being tagged, and allowing only family members in his flat.

He was said to have breached his bail by having three young people in his flat who he claimed were cousins but who the Crown believe were not relatives, and by not being present during the curfew on several occasions.

Christopher Meli
Christopher Meli Christopher Meli

The barrister told Mr Justice Colton: "He has amply proved to the court he will not abide by any conditions the court will impose ... he is not a suitable candidate for bail."

Defence barrister Tom McCreanor said it was Smyth's case that he was at home and had been experiencing difficulties with his electronic tag, although he did accept that his girlfriend has been in the flat.

Describing him as "a young man, living on his own, away from family and away from his home", the lawyer said while some of the breaches this month are accepted, his client's bail conditions as "restrictive ... and have impacted on him and his life greatly."

He added that that as the murder trial has been scheduled for September this would mean "a lengthy period of time this young men would have to spend in custody."

However, Mr Justice Colton said bail conditions were imposed for a reason and Smyth "simply seems to be incapable of complying, therefore bail is refused".