Courts / Dublin / Report

"Books with an IRA connection" found in accused's home, trial hears

Date
2018-11-05

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

The Special Criminal Court heard evidence in the trial of Conor Metcalfe, 28, of Clondalkin, Dublin 22, who is charged with membership of the IRA on November 24, 2015. As the accused made no reply to the charge, the court entered a not guilty plea on his behalf. Detective Garda Colm Finnerty testified that he was present when Detective Sergeant Padraig Boyce forced entry into Metcalfe's home with a search warrant. Metcalfe was arrested after failing to comply with directions to show his hands. During the search, Gardaí found items including books with an IRA connection, an IRA keyring, a signed proclamation, and an Alan Ryan memorial society invitation. The prosecution also referenced confidential information regarding a document found in the bedroom of David Murray, who was convicted of IRA membership in 2017 and jailed for four and a half years. Additionally, Det Sgt Boyce observed Patrick Brennan, who was jailed for four years for IRA membership in 2005, leaving the property. The trial continues before Mr Justice Tony Hunt, sitting with Judge Sinéad Ní Chúlacháin and Judge Cormac Dunne.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: "Books with an IRA connection" found in accused's home, trial hears. Charges or matters: membership of an unlawful organisation, styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the IRA, on November 24, 2015; IRA membership in 2017 and jailed for four and a half years. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

November 24, 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
March 25, 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
November 24 Incident
2018-11-05 Publication

Case subjects

Conor Metcalfe

Accused

Charges: membership of an unlawful organisation, styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the IRA, on November 24, 2015; IRA membership in 2017 and jailed for four and a half years (Alleged Or Contested)

Outcome: The court heard that Murray, of Cappogue Cottages, Finglas, Dublin 11, was convicted of IRA membership in 2017 and jailed for four and a half years. Brennan was jailed for four years for IRA membership in 2005.