Courts / Meath / Report
Judge says she doesn't understand "thought process" of DPP
Summary
The Special Criminal Court has adjourned proceedings involving Laurence Murphy and Ray Kennedy, who have pleaded not guilty to alleged membership of an unlawful organisation, styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh Na hÉireann, otherwise the IRA on March 6th, 2013. Mr Kennedy is also charged with carrying out an act intending to pervert the course of justice by destroying a SIM card on the same date. The procedural stage remains at charge or pretrial, with the trial set to continue on Monday. Ms Justice Tara Burns stated the court would not review sensitive material after the Director of Public Prosecutions failed to comply with a ruling to view it. The judge expressed shock at the DPP's refusal to disclose a letter from Assistant Commissioner Michael O'Sullivan to the defence, questioning the office's thought process. Defence counsel argued that the court viewing the material would create perception problems and depart from judicial norms. The DPP maintained security concerns regarding the material. No findings, sentences, or finalisations were recorded, as the matter was adjourned.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Judge says she doesn't understand "thought process" of DPP. Charges or matters: membership of an unlawful organisation, styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh Na hÉireann, otherwise the IRA on March 6th, 2013. Procedural stage: charge_or_pretrial
When:
- March 6th, 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
- December 2017 Other
- 2019-11-29 Publication
Why: " Yesterday, Ms Justice Burns said that the court was "minded" to look at the material because the DPP was "unable and unwilling" to do so. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: membership of an unlawful organisation, styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh Na hÉireann, otherwise the IRA on March 6th, 2013 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Accused
Charges: membership of an unlawful organisation, styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh Na hÉireann, otherwise the IRA on March 6th, 2013 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Special Criminal Court
- McDonough Caravan Park
- Triton Road
- Whitestown Drive
- Blanchardstown
- Dublin
Topics
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