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IRA activity not "automatically unlawful", defence in "IRA inquiry" trial submit
Summary
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, a prosecutor presented audio recordings from a bugged Dublin house, claiming they proved an IRA inquiry took place on 7–8 August 2015. The recordings allegedly captured four accused—David Nooney, Kevin Hannaway, Seán Hannaway and Eva Shannon—conversing about the inquiry. The prosecutor argued the voices were identifiable and that the term "IRA" appeared repeatedly, supporting the claim of an unlawful organization. Defence counsel challenged the authenticity of the recordings, noting the lack of expert testimony, possible editing, and unclear voice identification. They also questioned the prosecution's assertion that IRA activity is automatically unlawful, citing examples of decommissioning and political aims. The accused pleaded not guilty to membership and assistance charges, and the court was instructed to consider the evidence as reliable. The case remains at the hearing stage.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: IRA activity not "automatically unlawful", defence in "IRA inquiry" trial submit. Charges or matters: knowingly rendering assistance to an unlawful organization. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- August 8th, 2015 Other
- August 7th Incident
- 2018-06-19 Publication
Why: "What you have to realise is there's two lads now in jail because the IRA f***ed up," she claimed he said. CNI source report
Case subjects
Co Accused
Charges: knowingly rendering assistance to an unlawful organization (Alleged Or Contested)
Places mentioned
- Special Criminal Court
- Dublin
- Dublin house
- Riverwood Park
Topics
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