Courts / Dublin / Report

Non-jury court to deliver verdict in trial of IRA accused arrested in connection with murder of NI prison officer

Date
2017-07-25

Stage
Charge Or Pretrial

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

A three-judge panel at the Special Criminal Court will deliver its verdict on Monday in the trial of a Dublin man accused of membership of an unlawful organisation. Vincent Banks (47), of Smithfield Gate Apartments in Dublin 7, has pleaded not guilty to the charge. The prosecution alleged that Mr Banks purchased a Toyota Camry used in the fatal shooting of Northern Irish prison officer David Black in November 2012. The State presented evidence that the vehicle was later parked in Carrigallen, County Leitrim, near the border. The defence contended that the evidence was insufficient and that purchasing a car does not constitute activity uniquely associated with unlawful organisation membership. Justice Isobel Kennedy, sitting with Judge Gerard Griffin and Judge Gerard Haughton, will deliver judgment on 31 July.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Non-jury court to deliver verdict in trial of IRA accused arrested in connection with murder of NI prison officer. 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: charge_or_pretrial

When:

November 1st 2012 Incident
December 18th 2012 Incident
November 2012 Hearing Or Sentence
October 10th Other
Monday, July 31st Hearing Or Sentence
2017-07-25 Publication

Why: This was of relevance, the court heard, because of forensic evidence which showed Mr Banks' thumb print on the document. Court evidence reported by CNI

Case subjects

Vincent Banks

Accused

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