Courts / Dublin / Report

Man accused of plotting to buy weapons on dark web answered "no comment" to garda questions, trial hears

Date
2018-07-19

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

In a Special Criminal Court hearing on 19 July 2018, Jonathan Hawthorn, 45, of Ballintyre Downs, Ballinteer, pleaded not guilty to a charge of membership in the Irish Republican Army (IRA). He was accused of being part of a plot to purchase weapons on the dark web, including a grenade, handgun, ammunition and Semtex, and of arranging a mock delivery to Dolphin House in Dolphin's Barn. An undercover FBI agent had alerted Gardaí after an online user requested the shipment, and Gardaí observed Hawthorn sign for the delivery using the name of James Geraghty. During Garda interviews on 14 September 2016, Hawthorn answered all questions with "no comment," refusing to confirm or deny his alleged IRA involvement or participation in the operation. The case was heard by a three‑judge panel led by Justice Isobel Kennedy, with Judges Gerard Griffin and Gerard Haughton presiding.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Man accused of plotting to buy weapons on dark web answered "no comment" to garda questions, trial hears. Charges or matters: membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the IRA on September 14, 2016. Procedural stage: trial

When:

September 14, 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
2018-07-19 Publication

Case subjects

Jonathan Hawthorn

Defendant

Charges: membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the IRA on September 14, 2016 (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty