Courts / Dublin / Report

Senior garda believes accused was in IRA, PSNI bomb trial hears

Date
2020-07-22

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

In a Special Criminal Court hearing, Chief Superintendent Anthony Howard testified that he believes used‑car dealer Robert O'Leary, 42, is a member of the Irish Republican Army (IRA). Howard said the evidence he reviewed was substantial and that O'Leary had been tasked by the IRA to carry out jobs. O'Leary has pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation. The case concerns a bomb discovered under a PSNI officer's car at Shandon Park Golf Club, Belfast, on 1 June 2019. The prosecution alleges that the bomb was an under‑vehicle improvised explosive device and that the New IRA claimed responsibility. O'Leary is accused of having altered a car log book and of selling a 2001 Skoda Octavia to a man in his 60s for €700. The trial is presided over by Mr Justice Tony Hunt with Judges Sarah Berkeley and Dermot Dempsey.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Senior garda believes accused was in IRA, PSNI bomb trial hears. Charges or matters: membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself as the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Óglaigh na hÉireann, at a location within the State on August 20, 2019. Procedural stage: trial

When:

August 20, 2019 Incident
June 1, 2019 Hearing Or Sentence
June 1 Hearing Or Sentence
July 18, 2019 Other
July 22, 2019 Other
August 20 Incident
2020-07-22 Publication

Why: Chief Supt Howard explained that any material is critically assessed before it is taken on board. CNI source report

Case subjects

Chief Superintendent Anthony Howard

Accused

Charges: membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself as the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Óglaigh na hÉireann, at a location within the State on August 20, 2019 (Alleged Or Contested)

Robert O'Leary

Defendant

Plea: Not guilty