The Office of the Lady Chief Justice has issued a statement on why people accused of murder can be granted bail.
The Public Prosecution Service told Belfast Live that in both murder cases, it had opposed the accused being granted bail, with it being a decision of the courts to grant it. The Police also play a key role in advising the PPS on any objections to bail. The Lady Chief Justice of Northern Ireland's Office has said that due to the presumption of innocence that an accused receives in criminal court, and that the courts favour releasing an accused on bail unless there is deemed to be a risk of flight, re-offending and interference with witnesses.
"Where it is determined that any risks can be appropriately managed on bail then in addition to the issue of sureties and the setting of a recognisance which may be forfeited if the accused does not comply with the bail terms, the court will normally grant bail subject to certain bail conditions specifically designed to address those risks.