Courts / Longford / Report
Evidence of "Queen's visit" explosives accused "utterly implausible", prosecution tells court
Summary
A 66-year-old man from Drumlish, County Longford has denied five charges relating to bomb threats made during a state visit in May 2011. Donal Billings stands accused of unlawful possession of an explosive substance at Longford railway station car park and of making four false reports under the Criminal Law Act, allegedly threatening bombs at locations including Dublin and Cork airport. The Special Criminal Court heard closing arguments on Wednesday. The prosecution submitted that circumstantial evidence, including a SIM card found in Mr Billings's possession and mobile phone records, proved his guilt beyond reasonable doubt. Prosecuting counsel described the defendant's testimony as "utterly incredible" and "completely implausible". The defence disputed the reliability of phone evidence and argued insufficient direct proof connected Mr Billings to explosives found on a bus. Mr Justice Tony Hunt, presiding with two other judges, will deliver a verdict on 26 October. Mr Billings was remanded on continuing bail.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Evidence of "Queen's visit" explosives accused "utterly implausible", prosecution tells court. Charges or matters: the unlawful possession of an explosive substance at Longford railway station car park on May 16th, 2011. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- May 16th, 2011 Incident
- May 18th Other
- May 20th Other
- Wednesday, October 26th Adjournment
- 2016-10-19 Publication
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: the unlawful possession of an explosive substance at Longford railway station car park on May 16th, 2011 (Alleged Or Contested)
Outcome: Mr Billings was remanded on continuing bail until that date.
Accused
Charges: the unlawful possession of an explosive substance at Longford railway station car park on May 16th, 2011 (Alleged Or Contested)
Outcome: Mr Billings was remanded on continuing bail until that date.
Places mentioned
- Mr Billings called Longford Garda Station
- Longford
- bomb threats to Longford Garda Station
- person who phoned Longford Garda Station
- the package was Longford Garda Station
- incoming calls to Longford garda station
Topics
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