VINCENT McAnespie, a leading Aughnacloy republican whose arrest on day one of the Assembly election count, caused outrage amongst mainstream republicans, was granted High Court bail yesterday.

McAnespie was charged along with former independent republican candidate, Gerry McGeough, with the attempted murder of Sammy Brush in June 1981. The two were further charged with possession of a Webley revolver and a Colt revolver and ammunition with intent to endanger life. Brush now a DUP councillor in Dungannon was a postman at the time of the alleged incident.

McAnespie is the brother of Aiden McAnespie who was shot dead by British soldiers at a check point whilst coming from a GAA match. He is also a nephew of Omagh Councillor, Mickey McAnespie.

At the High Court in Belfast yesterday, Des Fahy Counsel, instructed by Michael Fahy, solicitor, moved a successful application for bail before Judge Treacy QC.

The defendant was released to appear at Dungannon Magistrates' Court on April 4. He had to agree to sign his own bail of £5,000, and secure two cash sureties of £5,000. He also had to agree to report daily to police, not to interfere with witnesses, and to surrender his passport.

On the evening of his arrest McAnespie's wife, Brenda, held a joint press conference with Fermanagh and South Tyrone MP, Michelle Gildernew denouncing the manner of her husband's arrest and particularly criticising the fact that the PSNI had cited him as a 'dissident' republican whereas in fact he is a mainstream republican and a respected by the Sinn Fein leadership.

During an appearance in court last week when the charge was put to him McAnespie replied, 'Not Guilty.' The court was thronged with supporters and, protesters calling for the release of both men lined the outside. At the time of the arrests West Tyrone MP, Pat Doherty, denounced the action as DUP inspired stunt.

It is understood that Gerry McGeough, remains in custody.