Jim Mansfield Jnr arranged meetings with IRA to help get back property, key witness tells trial

A key witness in the Witness Protection Programme has told the Special Criminal Court that Jim Mansfield Jnr arranged meetings with the New IRA and INLA to help recover parts of his family's property portfolio. Martin Byrne testified that after meeting with former INLA member Dessie O'Hare and paramilitary Declan Duffy, he asked the accused if he understood how dangerous these individuals were. Mr Byrne said Mr Mansfield replied he "did not care" and intended to reclaim what was his. The court heard Mr Byrne was taken prisoner by seven men including O'Hare and Duffy while Mr Mansfield Jnr stood nearby. Mr Byrne believed he had been set up. He was held at Finnstown House Hotel between June 9th and 12th, 2015. Mr Mansfield, aged 53, of Saggart in Dublin, denies conspiracy to commit false imprisonment and attempting to pervert the course of justice. The trial continues before the three-judge court.