The Special Criminal Court has set a trial date for three men—Gareth Mulley (45), David Gallagher (37), and William Burns (38)—charged with possession of explosive devices, including an adapted 50‑litre beer keg, 50 kg of homemade ammonium nitrate, PETN, RDX, an improvised detonation cord, steel booster tube, and time‑and‑power unit. All were arrested in May 2014 by An Garda Síochana's Special Detective Unit during investigations into dissident republican activity. Mulley and Gallagher are also charged with membership of an unlawful organisation, namely Oglaigh na hÉireann (the Irish Republican Army). The court, presided over by Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy, set the trial for 5 July 2016, expected to last two to three weeks, and issued witness orders and instructions on alibi evidence and witness notice. Counsel for Burns sought a variation of bail conditions to allow night taxi work, which the court removed.
Three men—Gareth Mulley (45) of Ashling Park, Dundalk; David Gallagher (37) of Marley Court, Drogheda; and William Burns (38) of Kerrera Street, Ardoyne, Belfast—were served with a book of evidence in the Special Criminal Court on 8 October 2014. They were arrested in May by the Garda Special Detective Unit during investigations into dissident republican activity. All are charged with possession of explosive substances on 25 May 2014 at Kilcurry, Co. Louth, under the Explosive Substances Act and the Offences Against the State (Amendment) Act. Allegations include possession of PETN, RDX, an adapted 50‑litre beer keg, 50 kg of homemade ammonium nitrate, an improvised detonation cord, steel booster tube, and a time‑and‑power unit. Mulley and Gallagher are also charged with membership of an unlawful organisation, namely Oglaigh na hEireann (the IRA), under the Offences Against the State Act.
Three men—Gareth Mulley (44), William Burns (38) and David Gallagher (37)—appeared before the Special Criminal Court on 28 May 2014. They were charged with explosives offences and membership of the unlawful organisation Oglaigh na hEireann (the IRA). Burns, of Ardoyne, Belfast, was accused of unlawfully possessing PETN and RDX, a 50‑litre beer keg, 50 kg of ammonium nitrate homemade explosive, an improvised detonation cord, a steel booster tube and a time‑and‑power unit found at Kilcurry Church on 25 May. Mulley, of Dundalk, and Gallagher, of Drogheda, were charged with IRA membership on the same date. The Special Detective Unit arrested the men on Sunday evening and presented evidence to the court. No bail applications were made, but legal aid was granted to Mulley. Judge Iseult O'Malley remanded the men in custody, ordering a video‑link appearance on 4 June, with liberty to apply for bail if a production order is sought.
Vincent Banks, 46, of Dublin 7, was acquitted by the Special Criminal Court of withholding information about the murder of Northern Ireland prison officer David Black, which occurred between 10 October and 20 December 2012. The court found that Banks' arrest on suspicion of IRA membership was unlawful because it lacked a warrant and the offence of membership is continuous. Banks was charged with membership of an unlawful organisation styled the Irish Republican Army (IRA) on 18 December 2012 and had been remanded on that count until after the withholding‑information trial. The court ruled that the unlawful arrest did not affect the withholding‑information charge, so the trial proceeded. Mr Michael Bowman BL informed the court that the membership case would continue, and a trial date was set for 17 November 2015, with Banks remanded on bail until then. Vincent Banks pleaded not guilty.
Vincent Banks, 46, of Dublin 7, was acquitted by the Special Criminal Court of withholding information about the murder of prison officer David Black, 52, who was shot dead on the M1 motorway near Lurgan on 1 November 2012. The prosecution alleged that Banks had bought a Toyota Camry, registered under a false name, and that the vehicle was used in the shooting. The judge, Justice Paul Butler, found that while the car was linked to the murder, there was no evidence that Banks knew it would be used in the killing. Consequently, the court concluded that the charge of withholding information could not be proven beyond a reasonable doubt and acquitted Banks. He remains on bail pending another charge of IRA membership. The case was presented as a dissident IRA murder. The court praised the police investigations on both sides of the border.
In a Dublin Special Criminal Court hearing, Vincent Banks, 46, pleaded not guilty to withholding information about the murder of prison officer David Black. The prosecution presented an Evening Herald newspaper dated 2 November 2012, found open to a story about Black's shooting, as evidence of "evidential significance." The paper was discovered in Banks' apartment during a search, alongside other newspapers. The prosecution argued that the newspaper's presence, open to the relevant article, suggested Banks' knowledge of the case. Banks' counsel, Michael P. O'Higgins, argued the newspaper was a thin thread, lacking proof of Banks' possession or fingerprints, and that other newspapers were also found. The court heard that Black, 52, was shot on the M1 near Lurgan on 1 November 2012, and that the murder was allegedly committed by occupants of a Toyota Camry registered 94 D 50997, purchased by Banks.
The Special Criminal Court ruled that Vincent Banks' arrest on suspicion of IRA membership, linked to the murder of prison officer David Black, was unlawful. Banks, 46, pleaded not guilty to withholding information about the murder. A voir dire examined the legality of his detention, the arrest, and searches of his Smithfield apartment and a Finglas address. The defence argued that Banks' December 18, 2012 arrest for IRA membership violated Section 30(A) of the Offences Against the State (Amendment) Act 1998, as he had been released without charge in September 2012 and could not be re‑arrested without a warrant. The court accepted that the arrest was unlawful but did not find it tainted the withholding‑information charge. It upheld the legality of his detention and the searches.
The Special Criminal Court is set to rule next week on legal questions about the detention and arrest of Vincent Banks, 44, who is charged with withholding information in connection with the murder of prison officer David Black. The trial has entered a voir dire to decide on the legality of Banks' detention, the searches of his Smithfield apartment and a Finglas address, and the admissibility of forensic samples and phone records. The prosecution alleges that Black, a 52‑year‑old guard at Maghaberry jail, was shot dead on the M1 near Lurgan on 1 November 2012 by occupants of a Toyota Camry registered 94 D 50997, a vehicle purchased by Banks. Evidence presented last week linked bullet casings from the scene to the same weapon as those found in the burnt‑out Camry. Vincent Banks pleaded not guilty.
The Special Criminal Court is hearing a voir dire on legal matters concerning the detention and arrest of Vincent Banks, 44, who is charged with withholding information related to the murder of prison officer David Black. Banks, who lives in Dublin 7, pleaded not guilty to the charge. The court considered the legality of obtaining forensic samples, searching Banks' apartment in Smithfield and an address in Finglas, and the acquisition of phone records. The prosecution alleges that Black, a 52‑year‑old officer at Maghaberry jail, was shot dead on the M1 near Lurgan on 1 November 2012 by occupants of a Toyota Camry registered 94 D 50997, a vehicle purchased by Banks. Evidence was presented that bullet casings from the scene matched those from the Camry, which was found burnt‑out nearby.
In the Special Criminal Court, Vincent Banks, 44, of Smithfield Gate Apartments, Dublin 7, pleaded not guilty to a charge of withholding information related to the murder of prison officer David Black. The court held a voir dire to decide on legal matters concerning Banks' detention and arrest, the legality of forensic samples, searches of his apartment and a Finglas address, and the acquisition of phone records. The prosecution alleged that Black, 52, was shot dead on the M1 near Lurgan on 1 November 2012 while driving to work at Maghaberry jail. They claim the fatal shots were fired from a Toyota Camry (registration 94 D 50997) bought by Banks, with bullet casings at the scene matching those from the vehicle. Banks is accused of failing to disclose information that could assist in apprehending or prosecuting the murderer between 10 October and 20 December 2012. The court will hear further arguments on these issues tomorrow before Judge Paul Butler.
Vincent Banks, aged 44 and resident in Dublin 7, has pleaded not guilty to withholding information relating to the murder of Northern Ireland prison officer David Black. The Special Criminal Court heard evidence that on 8 October 2012, gardaí observed two men travel from Carrigallen in Leitrim to Dublin as part of an ongoing operation into subversive and dissident activity. Detective Sergeant Ciaran Quigley testified he monitored the journey, whilst Detective Sergeant Bronagh Bergin observed Banks meeting the two men at a public house in Phibsborough. Photographs were taken of Banks in their company. David Black, aged 52 and employed at Maghaberry Prison in County Antrim, was fatally shot on the M1 motorway near Lurgan on 1 November 2012. The prosecution case centres on the alleged purchase of a Toyota Camry, subsequently recovered burnt-out near the scene, with ballistic evidence linking it to the shooting. Banks faces the charge of failing to disclose information he knew might assist in prosecuting the murder between October and December 2012. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul Butler.
The Special Criminal Court trial of Vincent Banks, 44, of Dublin 7, continues before Mr Justice Paul Butler. Banks has pleaded not guilty to a charge of withholding information in relation to the murder of David Black. Prosecution counsel Paul Greene SC outlined the case that Black, a Maghaberry prison officer, was shot on November 1, 2012, by occupants of a Toyota Camry with Republic of Ireland registration 94 D 50997, which the prosecution alleges was purchased by Banks. Jonathan Greer, a witness from the Forensic Science Laboratory of Northern Ireland, testified that bullet casings recovered near the scene and from the burnt-out Toyota were fired from the same weapon. Greer confirmed that two casings from the road and three from the car were 7.62 x 39 mm calibre ammunition, consistent with an AKM assault rifle. Microscopic comparisons revealed gross matching marks indicating a single gun fired all the casings. A bullet recovered from Black's Audi was also consistent with this ammunition. The charge alleges that between October 10 and December 20, 2012, Banks failed to disclose information he knew might assist in securing the apprehension or conviction of another person for the murder. The trial is ongoing.
The Special Criminal Court trial of Vincent Banks, 44, of Dublin 7, continued before Mr Justice Paul Butler. Banks, who has pleaded not guilty to a charge of withholding information in relation to the murder of Northern Ireland prison officer David Black, faces a separate charge of membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the IRA. He remains remanded on the membership count, which will proceed immediately upon the judgement on the withholding information count. Evidence was heard from Leitrim County Councillor John McCartin, who stated he contacted gardai in 2012 after complaints about a car parked in a darkened area of Carrigallen. Cllr McCartin testified that he photographed the vehicle on his iPhone and later provided a DVD of backups to Detective Garda Bridget Buckley. Buckley confirmed she analysed the files and identified an image of a Toyota Camry taken on October 14, 2012. The prosecution alleges that the navy-coloured Toyota Camry, registered 94 D 50997, was used to shoot Black on the M1 motorway near Lurgan on November 1, 2012, and that Banks purchased the vehicle. The charge against Banks alleges he failed to disclose information that might assist in securing the apprehension or conviction of another person for the murder. The trial continues.
In the Dublin Special Criminal Court, Vincent Banks, 44, pleaded not guilty to withholding information about the murder of Northern Ireland prison officer David Black. The prosecution read witness statements under Section 21 of the Criminal Justice Act. Ryan McGrath, a front‑passenger on the M1 near Lurgan on 1 November 2012, described hearing a bang, seeing smoke and glass break, and observing a silver Nissan with windows down and a black Audi that veered off the motorway into a ditch. Paula McGraid, his partner, reported hearing a bang after being overtaken, seeing a long thin object protruding from a passenger window, which she identified as a rifle barrel, and witnessing the Nissan swerving onto the hard shoulder and crashing. The prosecution alleged that David Black, 52, was shot by occupants of a Republic of Ireland‑registered Toyota Camry (94 D 50997) as he drove to work.
PSNI officers have given evidence at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin in the trial of a man charged with withholding information relating to the November 2012 murder of Northern Ireland prison officer David Black. Vincent Banks (44), of Dublin 7, has pleaded not guilty to the charge. Constables Gary Quinn and Jane Johnston testified about attending the scene on the M1 motorway near Lurgan on November 1, 2012, where a vehicle had come off the road. Witness accounts provided to officers described a shooting and a car believed to have a Sligo registration plate. Constable Catherine Mallon gave evidence of locating a burnt-out vehicle. The prosecution case centres on a Toyota Camry, registered in the Republic, used in Mr Black's killing. The State alleges Mr Banks purchased the vehicle. He also faces a separate charge of IRA membership. The trial before Justice Paul Butler continues.
A Dublin man has pleaded not guilty to withholding information relating to the murder of Northern Ireland prison officer David Black at the Special Criminal Court. Vincent Banks (44), of Smithfield Gate Apartments in Dublin 7, faces a charge of failing to disclose material information between October and December 2012. The prosecution opened its case before the non-jury court on Friday, with counsel outlining evidence that the Toyota Camry used in Mr Black's fatal shooting on the M1 motorway near Lurgan on 1 November 2012 was purchased by the accused. The vehicle was subsequently recovered burnt-out near Inglewood. The prosecution intends to present forensic evidence linking Mr Banks to the vehicle's registration and CCTV footage from a Tallaght retailer. The court heard the car was stored in Carrigallen, County Leitrim, prior to the murder. Mr Banks faces an additional charge of IRA membership on 18 December 2012. The trial continues before Justice Paul Butler on Tuesday.
The Special Criminal Court adjourned the trial of Vincent Banks, 44, of Smithfield, Dublin, who pleaded not guilty to withholding information about the murder of prison officer David Black. The trial was set to begin this morning after a successful defence application to adjourn. Banks' counsel, Mr Micheál P. O'Higgins SC, explained that the defence was anxious to obtain PSNI investigation details and that a PSNI inspector had confirmed the disclosure request was under review. A detailed letter was sent to the inspector that morning. Mr O'Higgins requested the trial be postponed to allow the process to close out. The State's counsel, Mr Paul Greene SC, agreed, and Mr Justice Paul Butler adjourned the trial until tomorrow. Banks is also charged with membership of an unlawful organisation, the IRA, and remains remanded on that count. The murder of David Black, 52, occurred on 1 November 2012 when he was shot while driving to work near Lurgan. Dissident republicans claimed responsibility.
Vincent Banks, 44, pleaded not guilty at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin on a charge of withholding information that could assist in the apprehension, prosecution or conviction of a person for the murder of Northern Ireland prison officer David Black. The charge alleges that between 10 October and 20 December 2012, Banks failed to disclose such information to Gardai without reasonable excuse. He is also charged with membership of an unlawful organisation, the Irish Republican Army, on 18 December 2012. Counsel for the State, Mr Paul Greene SC, requested the court to sever the indictment and proceed first with the withholding information charge, while remanding the membership count for immediate consideration after the judgment on the first charge. The trial was scheduled to begin today but was adjourned to Thursday, with the court allowing a short delay. The case involves the murder of David Black, a 52‑year‑old prison officer killed on 1 November 2013.
The Special Criminal Court in Dublin heard that the PSNI will not disclose material relating to the murder of prison officer David Black because it could jeopardise the ongoing investigation. The court was told that defence lawyers for Vincent Banks, 44, are seeking disclosure of PSNI material for a trial of a Dublin man charged with withholding information about the murder. Banks is charged with membership of an unlawful organisation styled the Irish Republican Army and with withholding information in relation to the murder of David Black. His counsel argued that the case against him was an allegation that he bought the Toyota car used in the killing and that nine of the first ten witnesses in the book of evidence are PSNI officers. The defence sought disclosure from the gardai of the PSNI material, claiming a real and serious risk of an unfair trial if the case went ahead without it.