Courts / Dublin / Report
Chief Supt gives belief evidence at IRA trial
Summary
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, Detective Chief Superintendent Anthony Howard testified that he believed Darren Weldon, a 47‑year‑old from Kilbarrack, was a member of the Irish Republican Army on 14 October 2014. Howard, head of the Special Detective Unit, said his belief was based on all material he had reviewed, not on any evidence discovered at Weldon's arrest. He claimed privilege over the material, citing protection of life and public security, and noted that revealing the details could hamper investigations into subversive crime. Howard acknowledged that the material was collated but maintained privilege regarding its timeframe and any association with Alan Ryan. He confirmed Weldon had no prior convictions. The case, with a not‑guilty plea, will continue before Justice Paul Coffey and two other judges. Darren Weldon pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Chief Supt gives belief evidence at IRA trial. Charges or matters: membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Óglaigh na hÉireann, otherwise the IRA on October 14, 2014. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- October 14, 2014 Incident
- 2019-07-09 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Óglaigh na hÉireann, otherwise the IRA on October 14, 2014 (Alleged Or Contested)
Defendant
Charges: membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Óglaigh na hÉireann, otherwise the IRA on October 14, 2014 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: Det Supt Howard gave evidence that he did not base his belief on any matter discovered at the time of Mr Weldon's arrest and detention.
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