Courts / Dublin / Report
Bail granted to IRA accused despite garda objections
Summary
Brian Nick McBennett, 54, of Ard Collum Avenue, Artane, was charged on 3 July 2013 with membership of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) before the Special Criminal Court. He was one of seven men charged on the same date, including Peter Burns, Kevin Braney, Michael Barr, John Brock, Declan Phelan and Desmond Christie. The court considered objections from the Gardaí, who argued that McBennett was a senior IRA member who might continue his alleged activities if released and that a €5,000 surety was insufficient. McBennett's counsel sought temporary bail to allow him to attend his grandchild's christening. Judge Paul Butler granted temporary bail from 9 am on 1 August to 4 pm on 4 August, with an independent surety of €8,000 and a 24‑hour curfew on all days except 3 August. The decision was made despite Garda objections and the seriousness of the charge.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Bail granted to IRA accused despite garda objections. Charges or matters: membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the IRA on July 3, 2013. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- July 3, 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
- March 29th, 2013 Incident
- August 1 Hearing Or Sentence
- August 4 Hearing Or Sentence
- August 3 Other
- 2014-07-10 Publication
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the IRA on July 3, 2013 (Alleged Or Contested)
Accused
Accused
Accused
Accused
Accused
Co Accused
Places mentioned
- Special Criminal Court
- Ard Collum Avenue
- Glenshane Crescent
- Tallaght
- Poppintree
- Ballymun
- Glenview Park
- Liam Mellows Road
Topics
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