Irishman in Rio Games ticket-scalping probe released on bail

Irish Olympic boss Patrick Hickey is finally able to leave a Rio de Janeiro prison, after his arrest almost three weeks ago on ticket-scalping charges.

Hickey temporarily stepped aside from his Olympic positions during the investigation, following his detention in his beach front hotel in Rio during the Olympic Games.

It is believed Mr Mallon has been sharing a cell with former OCI president Pat Hickey in Bangu 10 prison.

She said the family were “gravely concerned” about the manner of Hickey’s arrest, his detention in a high-security prison without charge, his health and his right to a fair hearing.

They claim he has been through a “degrading and humiliating ordeal”.

Mr. Mallon was granted bail after a successful habeas corpus appeal, which argued that his detention was unlawful.

“And make it clear that we want them to abide by the law”.

The family say they hope to meet with Enda Kenny.

Meanwhile, the OCI has app- ointed auditors Grant Thornton to investigate its handling of the ticket allocation procedures for Rio.

Though athletes betting on sports is not illegal, it is prohibited by the OCI.

The judge’s recommendation comes after Irishman Kevin Mallon, director of hospitality firm THG Sports, was freed on bail on Sunday following his arrest earlier this month in the same ticket-touting investigation.

THG was not authorised to sell tickets or hospitality packages for the event within Brazil or overseas and therefore any attempt by that company to sell the tickets was illegal.

Police said at the time that they seized hundreds of tickets from Mallon.