‌Last January Gerald Verner was denied a bail variation sought to enable him to travel to Spain to help in the search for murdered Belfast man John George, whose remains were subsequently discovered on the outskirts of Alicante. Asking for a variation of his client's bail at Belfast Crown Court, a solicitor told Judge Mark Reel that Verner's partner had booked a four-day trip to Alicante. Providing details of the flight plans and the hotel, Verner's solicitor said dates for the holiday were this Friday to next Monday. ‌In addition, the Crown barrister spoke of a previous application made by Verner regarding his bail condition of reporting to police. Saying he was refusing the application, Judge Reel said that as the holiday to Malaga "could have proceeded", this called into question why an application to Alicante was now being made.