Courts / Carlow / Report
IRA accused's role was to provide stolen car, trial hears
Summary
A Carlow man, James Smithers, 36, was accused in the Special Criminal Court of providing a stolen car for an IRA operation. He pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation, claiming the IRA. The prosecution, led by Anne‑Marie Lawlor BL, relied on Chief Superintendent Peter Kirwan's belief that Smithers was an IRA member on the relevant date. Evidence included Smithers' alleged activities that night, Garda interviews, and the discovery of a sawn‑off shotgun, petrol, and matches near the arrest site in Rathkeale. The trial continues.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: IRA accused's role was to provide stolen car, trial hears. 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 October 31st, 2015. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- October 31st, 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2017-01-16 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: membership of an unlawful organisation within the State styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the IRA, on October 31st, 2015 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Special Criminal Court
Topics
Related court reports
- 11 years for violent rapist who went on to attack again just a year after prison release
- Six years for man who tried to strangle partner in her own home
- Money mule to be sentenced over role in €19k phishing scam
- On-bail offender jailed for armed threat to burn down Carlow pub owners' home
- Woman pleads guilty to Carlow murder
- Rapist who asked why teen victim hadn't screamed gets six years
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request