Courts / Dublin / Report

Two Dublin men charged with IRA membership and possession of a semi-automatic pistol

Summary

Two men, Michael Finlay, 35, and Dean Byrne, 22, appeared before the non‑jury Special Criminal Court in Dublin on 6 June 2014. They were charged with membership of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) and with unlawful possession of a 9x18mm Makarov PM semi‑automatic pistol, a magazine and 10 rounds of 9x18mm ammunition. The arrests were made by the Special Detective Unit and the Garda Crime and Security branch during an operation in Tallaght on 5 June. Finlay was arrested outside Tallaght Garda Station before 4:00 pm and later appeared in court wearing a black t‑shirt and trousers; he gave no comment when cautioned. Byrne was cautioned after being found wearing a navy hoody and trousers; he also made no reply. No bail was applied for, but legal aid and a second counsel were approved for both. The judge remanded them in custody to return on 16 June.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Two Dublin men charged with IRA membership and possession of a semi-automatic pistol. Charges or matters: membership of an unlawful organisation; unlawful possession of a 9x18mm calibre Makarov PM semi-automatic pistol and magazine and 10 rounds of 9x18mm BR calibre Sellier & Bellot ammunition. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• June 5, 2014 Incident
• June 16 Adjournment
• 2014-06-06 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial

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Read the original CNI report