Courts / Tipperary / Report
Men plead guilty to IRA membership in trial adjourned over garda recording system
Summary
In a Special Criminal Court case in Limerick, Thomas McMahon, 31, and Noel Noonan, 34, pleaded guilty to membership of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) before their trial was adjourned. The adjournment, the first criminal case affected by the Garda taping revelations, was granted to allow the defence to consider using an expert to examine Clonmel and Cahir Garda stations, where the men were detained after arrest. The court had already heard expert evidence that there were no recording facilities at those stations. Ms Tara Burns SC, the prosecutor, reported progress in the case and indicated that the men were seeking a sentencing date in June. Judge Paul Butler set June 27 for sentencing, remanded both men on continuing bail, and noted that the bail sureties were present. The court also heard that telephone calls made by the defendants with their solicitors before interview were recorded at Garda Headquarters, not at the local stations.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Men plead guilty to IRA membership in trial adjourned over garda recording system. Charges or matters: membership of an unlawful organisation within the State styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the IRA on February 7th, 2013. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- February 7th, 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
- June 27 Adjournment
- 2014-04-01 Publication
Case subjects
Co Accused
Charges: membership of an unlawful organisation within the State styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the IRA on February 7th, 2013 (Alleged Or Contested)
Outcome: Noel Noonan (34) had been adjourned until today to allow the defence consider employing an expert to physically examine Clonmel and Cahir garda stations, where the men were detained after arrest.
Places mentioned
- Special Criminal Court
- Clare Street
- neither Clonmel nor Cahir Garda Station
- Cahir
Topics
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