Courts / Dublin / Report

State to rely on audio and video footage in IRA trial

Date
2019-02-26

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

The opening day of a Special Criminal Court trial saw the prosecution outline its plan to use audio and video footage from a Garda surveillance operation at Riverwood Park, Castleknock, to convict Damien Metcalfe, 33, of membership in the Irish Republican Army. Metcalfe, who declined to plead in court, stated he was "not guilty." Prosecutor Anne‑Marie Lawlor explained that surveillance had captured him entering the premises on several occasions, suggesting IRA activity there. She also highlighted evidence concerning his detention and interview process. Chief Superintendent Cliona Richardson, who authorised the surveillance after receiving information from a "sensitive source," told the court that she claimed privilege to protect the identity of the source. The trial is set to continue the following day before the three‑judge panel.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: State to rely on audio and video footage in IRA trial. Charges or matters: membership of an unlawful organisation, styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the IRA, on November 24th, 2015. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

November 24th, 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
2019-02-26 Publication

Case subjects

Damien Metcalfe

Accused

Charges: membership of an unlawful organisation, styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the IRA, on November 24th, 2015 (Alleged Or Contested)

Outcome: Ms Lawlor also told the court how the prosecution would rely on evidence relating to Mr Metcalfe's "detention" and interview process.