Courts / Louth / Report
Judges to rule on whether IRA membership case will proceed
Summary
A 44-year-old man from Dundalk, County Louth, will have the Special Criminal Court determine tomorrow whether his trial for alleged IRA membership can proceed. Michael Connolly has pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation on 16 December 2014. The prosecution alleges he was observed by gardaí driving in convoy along the N52 with another man who was later found with two improvised explosive devices. The defence applied today for a direction that the evidence was insufficient, arguing there were defects in the assistant commissioner's opinion underpinning the case and that Mr Connolly's presence at commemorations and demonstrations, or his association with previously convicted individuals, did not necessarily indicate IRA membership. The defence also contended there was no evidence Mr Connolly possessed or knew of the explosive devices. The three-judge court noted the application raised matters of sufficient substance and indicated closing speeches would be heard tomorrow.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Judges to rule on whether IRA membership case will proceed. Charges or matters: membership of an unlawful organisation, styling itself Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the Irish Republican Army, otherwise the IRA on December 16th, 2014. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- December 16th, 2014 Other
- 2017-05-24 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: membership of an unlawful organisation, styling itself Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the Irish Republican Army, otherwise the IRA on December 16th, 2014 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Special Criminal Court
- Grange Drive
Topics
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