Courts / Cork / Report

IRA accused told gardai he was going on "drinking session"

Date
2017-02-14

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Cork

County
Cork

Summary

A 53-year-old Cork man accused of membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army has pleaded not guilty to the charge. The Special Criminal Court in Dublin heard that Martin McHale told gardaí he travelled to Monaghan in November 2013 for "a drinking session" and was unaware that a borrowed van contained bags of nitrogen fertiliser. Detective Garda Emmett Ryan told the court he became suspicious when Mr McHale and another man could not adequately explain their presence at a filling station in Monaghan town, an area monitored for dissident activity. Gardaí subsequently discovered fertiliser in the vehicle. Dr Thomas Hannigan of Forensic Science Ireland gave evidence that the material contained 79 per cent ammonium nitrate by weight and could be used as an ingredient in improvised explosive mixtures, though he could not determine the material's intended purpose. Mr McHale denies IRA membership and political involvement. The three-judge trial continues.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: IRA accused told gardai he was going on "drinking session". Charges or matters: membership of an unlawful organisation, styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the IRA on November 2nd, 2013. Procedural stage: trial

When:

November 2nd, 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
November 3, 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
2017-02-14 Publication

Why: He said the material "does" fall within section 9 of the Explosive Substances Act because it could be used as an ingredient. CNI source report

Case subjects

Martin McHale

Defendant

Charges: membership of an unlawful organisation, styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the IRA on November 2nd, 2013 (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty