Courts / Meath / Report

IRA accused failed to answer garda questions, court hears

Date
2016-11-28

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Trim

County
Meath

Summary

In a Special Criminal Court hearing on 28 November 2016, Darren Weldon, aged 45 and resident of Drinadaly, Trim, was accused of membership in the Irish Republican Army (IRA). He pleaded not guilty to the charge of belonging to an unlawful organisation. The prosecution presented DNA evidence linking Weldon to a number plate found in the wreckage of a car bomb that detonated outside the Newry courthouse on 22 February 2010. Garda investigators, led by Detective Garda Graham Dunne of the Special Detective Unit, interviewed Weldon on 14 October 2014 at Finglas Garda Station. Under Section 2 of the Offences Against the State (Amendment) Act 1998, the court considered Weldon's refusal to answer questions about the Newry bomb and alleged IRA activities. The court accepted the DNA sample as admissible evidence, despite an objection from Weldon's counsel, and the trial proceeded. The hearing concluded with the court noting that Weldon had not responded to any of the questions asked.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: IRA accused failed to answer garda questions, court hears. Charges or matters: membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Óglaigh na hÉireann, otherwise the IRA on October 14th, 2014. Procedural stage: trial

When:

October 14th, 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
February 22nd, 2010 Hearing Or Sentence
2016-11-28 Publication

Case subjects

Darren Weldon

Defendant

Charges: membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Óglaigh na hÉireann, otherwise the IRA on October 14th, 2014 (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty