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Covert operations garda wrapped deactivated grenade with child's toy, trial hears

Summary

The Special Criminal Court heard evidence in the ongoing trial of Jonathan Hawthorn, James Geraghty, and Donal O'Ceallaigh, who have pleaded not guilty to alleged membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the IRA. Detective Sergeant Brian Roberts testified that he prepared a controlled delivery package containing a non-functional, unearthed hand grenade wrapped with a child's playdough set. He stated he used clingfilm and pink wrapping paper to ensure the package appeared convincing for a covert operation. On September 14, 2016, a colleague in the Covert Operations Unit attempted delivery to the address associated with the defendants. While a signature for James Geraghty appeared on the documentation, the prosecution does not contend that Geraghty signed; rather, it alleges Hawthorn signed in Geraghty's name. The three-judge, non-jury court, presided over by Justice Isobel Kennedy with Judges Gerard Griffin and Gerard Haughton, heard that the investigation stemmed from a tip-off regarding Semtex. The trial continues on Monday.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Covert operations garda wrapped deactivated grenade with child's toy, trial hears. Charges or matters: membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the IRA. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• September 14th, 2016 Incident
• September 1st Other
• September 14th Other
• 2018-07-06 Publication

Why: Det Sgt Roberts explained that the hand grenade used was unearthed and non-functional. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial

Read the original CNI report