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Bugging device leads to IRA conviction
Summary
A Dublin man, Robert Day, aged 55, was found guilty of membership in an unlawful organisation, the Irish Republican Army (IRA), after Gardaí used bugging devices to listen to conversations in a private house in Castleknock where they believed an IRA meeting was taking place. Day had pleaded not guilty to the charge on 9 October 2015. In the non‑jury, three‑judge Special Criminal Court, the prosecution presented evidence that Gardaí had planted a bug in the house on 8 August 2015 to record conversations between alleged IRA members, including Day. The court accepted the chief superintendent's belief that Day was a member on that day, supported by Day's refusal to answer Gardaí's questions about his activities in the house and by the recorded conversations. The judges upheld the Gardaí's claim of privilege over the nature and deployment of the listening devices. Day was remanded on continuing bail until 11 June for a sentence hearing.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Bugging device leads to IRA conviction. Charges or matters: membership of an unlawful organisation within the State styling itself as the Irish Republican Army otherwise Oglaigh na hÉireann otherwise the IRA on October 9th, 2015. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- October 9th, 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
- August 8th 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
- June 11 Adjournment
- 2018-06-01 Publication
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: membership of an unlawful organisation within the State styling itself as the Irish Republican Army otherwise Oglaigh na hÉireann otherwise the IRA on October 9th, 2015 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: Mr Justice Eagar, having delivered the judgement, remanded Day on continuing bail until June 11 when there will be a sentence hearing.; Mr Justice Eagar, having delivered the judgement, remanded Day on continuing bail until June 11 when there will be a sentence hearing.
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