Courts / Longford / Report

Mast evidence in Queen's visit trial

Date
2016-10-13

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Longford

Summary

A telecommunications engineer gave evidence at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin regarding mobile phone mast data from County Longford during the state visit of Queen Elizabeth in May 2011. Donal Billings, aged 65, of St Bridget's Court, Drumlish, faces five charges under the Criminal Law Act 1976, including making false reports of bombs at locations including Busáras, Sinn Féin headquarters, Dublin Castle, and Cork Airport on dates spanning May 16th to May 20th, 2011. He is also charged with unlawful possession of an explosive substance at Longford railway station car park. Mr Billings has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Evidence indicated that phone calls made to Longford Garda Station from an 086 number were routed through masts at Edgeworthstown and near Longford town. The trial continues.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Mast evidence in Queen's visit trial. Charges or matters: the unlawful possession of an explosive substance at Longford railway station car park on May 16th, 2011; each of the five charges. Procedural stage: trial

When:

May 16th, 2011 Incident
May 18th Incident
May 20th Incident
2016-10-13 Publication

Why: Mr O'Callaghan explained that masts in Ireland typically have a range of between 10 to 15 km. CNI source report

Case subjects

County Longford

Accused

Charges: the unlawful possession of an explosive substance at Longford railway station car park on May 16th, 2011; each of the five charges (Alleged Or Contested)

Donal Billings

Accused

Charges: the unlawful possession of an explosive substance at Longford railway station car park on May 16th, 2011; each of the five charges (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty