Fianna Fáil senator Francis O'Brien, €100,000 from Michael Heelan, Courts

Three men including former Fianna Fáil senator Francis O'Brien have been granted bail after appearing in court on a charge of demanding €100,000 with menaces.

Mr O'Brien, 70, of Corwillan, latton, Castleblayney, Co Monaghan, was remanded on bail of €5,000 cash to appear before the Carrickmacross District Court again on 22 May.

The other defendants are Michael Marron, 56, from Taghart, Shercock, Cavan and Raymond McCaughey, 55, from Drumgannus, Broomfield, Co Monaghan.

All three face a single charge that on 27 April, 2012 at Tullyvaragh Lower, Carrickmacross they demanded €100,000 from Michael Heelan with menaces contrary to the Criminal Justice Public Order Act.

The three were granted bail with a surety of €5,000. They were also ordered to hand over their passports, not to contact any witnesses and sign on weekly at their local garda station.

Det Insp Fergus Traynor gave evidence of arresting, charging and cautioning the accused.

None of them spoke during the brief hearing. The case is due back before the court on 22 May.