Courts / Dublin / Report

Assistant commissioner tells non-jury court he believes accused is IRA member

Date
2017-04-05
Stage
Sentence
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

In a Special Criminal Court hearing on 5 April 2017, Assistant Commissioner Michael O'Sullivan informed the court that he believed 56‑year‑old David Murray of Cappogue Cottages, Finglas, was a member of the Irish Republican Army (IRA). The prosecution, represented by Gareth Baker BL, presented evidence they described as "significant and compelling," including a shopping list of chemicals used for explosives found in Murray's bedroom, which was remarkably similar to a list discovered in the van of Stephen Hendrick, a 48‑year‑old convicted in a separate case of possessing explosives after a bomb‑factory was found in his garden. Baker also cited a "connection" between Murray and Hendrick, noting that Hendrick had been sentenced to 11 years for firearms, ammunition and explosives. David Murray pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Assistant commissioner tells non-jury court he believes accused is IRA member. Charges or matters: possessing explosives after gardai found a "bomb-factory in his back garden"; membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh Na hÉíreann, on March 25th, 2015. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Convicted

When:

Case subjects

David Murray

Convicted Person

Charges: possessing explosives after gardai found a "bomb-factory in his back garden"; membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh Na hÉíreann, on March 25th, 2015 (Proven)

Plea: Not guilty

Finding: Convicted

Outcome: Convicted

Stephen Hendrick

Convicted Person

Charges: possessing explosives after gardai found a "bomb-factory in his back garden"; membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh Na hÉíreann, on March 25th, 2015 (Proven)

Finding: Convicted

Outcome: Convicted; Last year Hendrick, with an address at Balbutcher Drive, Ballymun, Dublin 11, was sentenced by the non-jury court to 11 years in prison for possession of firearms, ammunition and explosives.

Places mentioned

Court Venue
  • Special Criminal Court
Secondary Mention
Residence

Topics

Stage Sentence

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

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