Courts / Dublin / Report
Man cleared of withholding information on David Black murder
Summary
Vincent Banks, 46, of Dublin 7, was acquitted by the Special Criminal Court of withholding information about the murder of prison officer David Black, 52, who was shot dead on the M1 motorway near Lurgan on 1 November 2012. The prosecution alleged that Banks had bought a Toyota Camry, registered under a false name, and that the vehicle was used in the shooting. The judge, Justice Paul Butler, found that while the car was linked to the murder, there was no evidence that Banks knew it would be used in the killing. Consequently, the court concluded that the charge of withholding information could not be proven beyond a reasonable doubt and acquitted Banks. He remains on bail pending another charge of IRA membership. The case was presented as a dissident IRA murder. The court praised the police investigations on both sides of the border.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Man cleared of withholding information on David Black murder. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- November 2012 Hearing Or Sentence
- October 10th Hearing Or Sentence
- December 20th, 2012 Hearing Or Sentence
- November 1, 2012 Hearing Or Sentence
- April 9th Adjournment
- 2014-04-02 Publication
Why: However, the judge said that in order to convict Banks, the court must come to the conclusion beyond a reasonable doubt that Banks was aware that the car was to be used in connection with the murder of Mr Black. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Outcome: Banks was remanded on bail until April 9th next on another charge of IRA membership.
Places mentioned
- Special Criminal Court
- Northern Ireland prison
Topics
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