Courts / Louth / Report
Closing speeches in trial of man accused of directing IRA in run-up to royal visit
Summary
Judges at the Special Criminal Court have remanded Seamus McGrane in custody until October 31st, when judgement will be delivered in his trial. The 63-year-old from Dromiskin, County Louth, pleaded not guilty to directing the activities of an unlawful organization, styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the IRA, between April 19th and May 13th, 2015. He also denies being a member of the IRA between January 18th, 2010, and May 13th, 2015. The prosecution alleged that McGrane discussed an operation involving explosives in the run-up to the State visit of Prince Charles. Tara Burns SC argued that audio recordings of McGrane and Donal O'Coisdealbha in a Dublin pub, along with explosive materials found on McGrane's property, established that McGrane was acting as an authority in the IRA. She stated the evidence indicated he issued instructions regarding meeting people and providing bomb-making material. Michael O'Higgins SC, for the defence, contended that the recordings showed O'Coisdealbha was developing explosives independently of McGrane, describing their relationship as symbiotic rather than one of direction. Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy, presiding with Judge Sinead Ni Chulachain and Judge Cormac Dunne, remanded McGrane in custody pending the delivery of judgement on October 31st.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Closing speeches in trial of man accused of directing IRA in run-up to royal visit. Charges or matters: directing the activities of an unlawful organization, styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the IRA, between the dates of April 19th and May 13th, 2015. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- April 19th Hearing Or Sentence
- May 13th, 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
- January 18th, 2010 Hearing Or Sentence
- May 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
- October 31st Adjournment
- 2017-10-12 Publication
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: directing the activities of an unlawful organization, styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the IRA, between the dates of April 19th and May 13th, 2015 (Alleged Or Contested)
Outcome: Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy, presiding, sitting with Judge Sinead Ni Chulachain and Judge Cormac Dunne, remanded Mr McGrane in custody until October 31st, when judgement will be delivered in the case.
Defendant
Charges: directing the activities of an unlawful organization, styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the IRA, between the dates of April 19th and May 13th, 2015 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy, presiding, sitting with Judge Sinead Ni Chulachain and Judge Cormac Dunne, remanded Mr McGrane in custody until October 31st, when judgement will be delivered in the case.
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