Courts / Cork / Report

Commissioner tells trial he "100%" believes accused is IRA member

Date
2017-02-15

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Cork

County
Cork

Summary

The Special Criminal Court trial of Martin McHale, 53, of Cork, continues before Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy and two other judges. McHale has pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation, styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the IRA, on November 2nd, 2013. The prosecution alleges he was involved in nefarious activities associated with IRA membership. Assistant Garda Commissioner Michael Finn testified that he "100%" believed McHale was an IRA member, based on material he claimed privilege over for State security reasons. Finn stated his opinion was formed through "common sense" and 35 years of police work, noting that disclosing the underlying intelligence would risk lives and ongoing operations. Detective Inspector Bill Hanrahan provided evidence that McHale had attended court in 2005 during the prosecution of Don Bullman, who was subsequently convicted of IRA membership and jailed for four years. Hanrahan also noted that three individuals, including Paul Walsh, visited Monaghan Garda station the day after McHale's arrest seeking to speak with him. Forensic Science Ireland's Dr Edward Connolly testified that a DNA profile matching McHale was found on green gardening gloves removed from the van, while DNA on the fertiliser bags came from an unknown male source. The trial was adjourned and continues tomorrow.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Commissioner tells trial he "100%" believes accused is IRA member. 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: sentence

When:

November 2nd, 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
February 2005 Incident
2017-02-15 Publication

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

Outcome: In evidence lead by prosecuting counsel Anne-Marie Lawlor BL, the assistant commissioner said the arrest and subsequent detention of Mr McHale did not form part of his consideration. Mr Bullman was subsequently convicted of IRA membership and jailed for four years, Det Insp Hanrahan said.