A sentencing hearing at the Special Criminal Court heard evidence concerning an alleged Continuity IRA attack on Enniskillen PSNI station in March 2021 that went undetected at the time. Desmond Smith, aged 65, of Kilnavara Crescent, County Cavan, and Stephen Hamill, aged 52, of Willow Ridge, Gortnakesh, County Cavan, both pleaded guilty to knowingly assisting an organisation styling itself the IRA in furtherance of an unlawful object. Detective Garda Sergeant Ronan Judge outlined how callers claiming to represent the organisation telephoned media outlets between March 13 and 16, 2021, describing operations in the Fermanagh area. An improvised "slam gun" device was later recovered near the station. Evidence indicated Hamill purchased materials consistent with the device's construction. Both defendants' legal representatives appealed for non-custodial sentences, emphasising their clients' cooperation and stated commitment to disassociate from paramilitary organisations. Mr Justice Tony Hunt adjourned sentencing to 14 October 2024.
Claimed Continuity IRA attack on PSNI station went unnoticed, court hears
local summary
Source: Courts News Ireland
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