Courts / Longford / Report
"This is for the Queen of blood and war of Iraq": court hears of bomb threats during Queen's visit
Summary
The Special Criminal Court heard evidence on 30 November 2016 regarding bomb threats and an incendiary device discovered during a state visit by Queen Elizabeth in May 2011. Donal Billings, aged 66, of St Bridget's Court, Drumlish, County Longford, was convicted last month of unlawful possession of an explosive substance at Longford railway station car park on 16 May 2011, and four offences under the Criminal Law Act 1976 of making false reports. He was found guilty of falsely reporting bombs at Busáras and Sinn Féin headquarters in Dublin, at Dublin Castle, and at Cork airport. A suspicious device containing gunpowder and petrol was discovered in a bus luggage compartment. Phone calls made by the accused coincided with Queen Elizabeth's presence in the State. Gardaí traced the calls through mobile phone analysis and CCTV evidence. The court rejected a bail application. Billings was remanded in custody pending sentencing on 15 December 2016.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: "This is for the Queen of blood and war of Iraq": court hears of bomb threats during Queen's visit. Charges or matters: making a false report within the State on May 16th, 2011 that bombs had been placed at Busáras in Dublin and at Sinn Féin's headquarters. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Convicted
When:
- May 16th, 2011 Incident
- May 18th Hearing Or Sentence
- May 20th Incident
- May 16th Other
- December 15th Adjournment
- Christmas Incident
- 2016-11-30 Publication
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: making a false report within the State on May 16th, 2011 that bombs had been placed at Busáras in Dublin and at Sinn Féin's headquarters (Proven)
Finding: Convicted
Outcome: Convicted; Billings was remanded in custody until December 15th, when he will be sentenced.; Billings was remanded in custody until December 15th, when he will be sentenced.
Places mentioned
- The Special Criminal Court
- of Longford Garda Station
- Longford
- call made to the garda station
- including Longford Garda Station
- was interviewed at Longford Garda Station
Topics
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