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Kevin Mallon released on bail following Brazilian court ruling

Irish man Kevin Mallon has been released from a high security prison in Rio overnight following a...



Kevin Mallon released on bail...
Off The Ball Radio

Kevin Mallon released on bail following Brazilian court ruling

Irish man Kevin Mallon has been released from a high security prison in Rio overnight following a Brazilian Supreme Court ruling.

The THG Sports director had been in prison since his arrest on August 5th in connection with ticket touting.

It is understood Mr Mallon's release on bail was delayed because of a lack of available electronic ankle-tags.

In response, the electronic tag restriction was lifted by a Rio court.

Mr Mallon was then released at around 2am Irish time, and will appear in court tomorrow.

THG Sports released a statement yesterday welcoming the decision to release Mr Mallon on bail and says it believes all of its executives will be vindicated.

"We will continue to work to secure Kevin’s full release and his return to Dublin," the firm said.

"Meanwhile, THG is providing full support to Kevin and his family and will continue to seek to ensure their privacy at this difficult time."

PRO10, the Olympic Council of Ireland's official ticket reseller for Rio 2016, previously said he was holding tickets "to be made available simply for collection" by its customers.

Cathal McMahon, journalist with independent.ie, is in Rio, and explained what is likely to happen over the coming days.

"He's been banned from accessing or attending premises connected to Brazilian or international Olympics committees for period of the Paralympic games.

"He's not allowed to travel without permission from the court, and he's been given an 8pm curfew each night," he added.

Meanwhile, Pat Hickey's lawyers are said to be hopeful of his release in the coming days.

The president of the Olympic Council of Ireland (OCI) temporarily stepped down following his arrest in connection with the alleged illegal resale of Rio 2016 tickets.

The 71-year-old was said to have been sharing a cell in the city's Bangu prison with Mr Mallon.

Mr Hickey’s family have said they are concerned about the manner of his arrest and detention.

Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan has said he is arranging to meet the family.
 

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