Courts / Dublin / Report
"Catastrophic error of judgment": man let IRA take away explosives
Summary
In April 2016, Larry Behan, 41, owner's son of a quarry in Rathcoole, opened the quarry gates to IRA members John Roche and John Brock, allowing them to take 57 kg of homemade explosives and 38 kg of Kemegel industrial explosives. Behan had previously found the explosives while cleaning an old shed and believed they would be disposed of. He was arrested on 14 April for possession of an explosive substance but later pleaded guilty in March 2019 to knowingly rendering assistance to the IRA in the possession of explosives. The Special Criminal Court heard that Behan was naive, had no prior convictions, and was taken advantage of, fearing for his life. He was remanded on continuing bail until 29 April 2019. The case was heard by a three‑judge panel, including Mr Justice Tony Hunt.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: "Catastrophic error of judgment": man let IRA take away explosives. Charges or matters: knowingly rendering assistance to an unlawful organisation, namely the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the IRA in the performance or furtherance of an unlawful object (namely the possession of explosives) by facilitating access by other persons to the Quarry, L. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- April 13, 2016 Incident
- April 14, 2016 Incident
- April 13 Hearing Or Sentence
- April 29 Adjournment
- 2019-04-10 Publication
Why: Insp Boyce explained that Roche's car had been under surveillance on the day and was observed going into Behan's Quarry on Windmillhill in Rathcoole, Co Dublin at 7pm. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: knowingly rendering assistance to an unlawful organisation, namely the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the IRA in the performance or furtherance of an unlawful object (namely the possession of explosives) by facilitating access by other persons to the Quarry, L (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: They will be sentenced on Friday.; Mr Justice Hunt, presiding, sitting with Judge Patricia Ryan and Judge Ann Ryan, remanded Mr Behan on continuing bail until April 29.
Places mentioned
- Special Criminal Court
- Naas Road
Topics
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