Courts / Dublin / Report

Accused seen coming and going from house where alleged IRA activity took place

Date
2019-02-27

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

During the Special Criminal Court trial, Damien Metcalfe, aged 33, was accused of membership in the Irish Republican Army. The prosecution presented evidence that he was seen entering and leaving a house in Riverwood Park, Castleknock, on 7‑8 August 2015. Detective Garda BK, who gave anonymous testimony, observed Metcalfe arriving and departing in a Silver Opal Astra and noted significant activity at the property, including several men and one woman moving in and out and placing baggage in a boot. Metcalfe pleaded not guilty. His barrister, Hugh Hartnett, questioned the deployment of audio‑video surveillance, noting that the witness had no role in its setup and that the process was kept secret. Hartnett also challenged Chief Superintendent Cliona Richardson's statements about the creation of the surveillance authorisation application, highlighting inconsistencies in her accounts. The trial was scheduled to continue the following day before a three‑judge panel of the Special Criminal Court.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Accused seen coming and going from house where alleged IRA activity took place. 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: trial

When:

November 24th, 2015 Other
August 2015 Other
January 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
2019-02-27 Publication

Why: Mr Hartnett also suggested to the court that the reason the prosecution chose to call Chief Superintendent Richardson to give evidence was because "it was a requirement" for her to have created the authorisation application. Prosecution account reported by CNI

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)

Plea: Not guilty