Courts / Dublin / Report

Accused arrested as part of investigation in to killing of NI prison officer, IRA trial hears

Date
2017-07-06

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

A man accused of membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army has pleaded not guilty to charges arising from investigations into the November 2012 killing of a Northern Irish prison officer. Vincent Banks, aged 47, from Smithfield Gate Apartments in Dublin 7, is on trial at the Special Criminal Court. The prosecution opened its case by outlining that David Black, a 52-year-old prison officer, was shot dead on the M1 near Lurgan on November 1st, 2012, whilst driving to Maghaberry prison. The court heard that a Toyota Camry used in the incident was later recovered burnt out in a ditch, with forensic evidence linking it to the killing. Prosecution counsel indicated that evidence will show the vehicle was registered to an address in Dublin and was transported to Carrigallen, County Leitrim, before the shooting. The trial, presided over by Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy alongside Judges Gerard Griffin and Gerard Haughton, continues.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Accused arrested as part of investigation in to killing of NI prison officer, IRA trial hears. Charges or matters: membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the IRA on December 18th 2012. Procedural stage: trial

When:

November 1st 2012 Incident
December 18th 2012 Incident
October 10th Hearing Or Sentence
October 31st Incident
December 18th Incident
November 2nd Incident
2017-07-06 Publication

Why: Mr Greene said that this proposed evidence will be of "significance" because the court will hear that when the log-book was analysed, the right thumb-print of Mr Banks was found. CNI source report

Case subjects

Vincent Banks

Defendant

Charges: membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the IRA on December 18th 2012 (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty