Courts / Louth / Report

International witnesses in Lisa Smith trial can give evidence by video-link

Summary

The Special Criminal Court has ruled that international witnesses in the trial of Lisa Smith, a former Defence Forces member, may give evidence by video-link. Presiding judge Mr Justice Tony Hunt granted the prosecution's application, citing the current public health climate and the logistical difficulties of travel from Australia and the US. Ms Smith, 39, from Dundalk, Co Louth, is charged with being a member of the unlawful terrorist group Islamic State (ISIS) between October 28, 2015, and December 1, 2019, and with financing terrorism by sending €800 to a named individual in May 2015. The defence, represented by Michael O'Higgins SC, objected to the application, referencing difficulties with video-link evidence in the trial of Aaron Brady, who was convicted of the murder of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe. Mr O'Higgins argued that the prosecution had not met the necessary criteria and that his client had the right to cross-examine witnesses in person. Despite these objections, Mr Justice Hunt was satisfied the conditions for the order were met. The trial is scheduled to begin on January 11, 2022, and is expected to last 12 weeks. Mr Justice Hunt adjourned the case to December 13 for an update on how matters were progressing.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: International witnesses in Lisa Smith trial can give evidence by video-link. Charges or matters: the murder of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe; an offence contrary to the Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) Act 2005 for being a member of unlawful terrorist group Islamic State (ISIS) between October 28, 2015 and December 1, 2019. Procedural stage: finding. Findings: Convicted

When:

• October 28, 2015 Incident
• December 1, 2019 Incident
• May 6, 2015 Other
• January 11, 2022 Hearing Or Sentence
• December 13 Adjournment
• 2021-11-19 Publication

Why: The State had asked the non-jury to write letters to authorities in the US and Australia so that prosecution witnesses could avoid travelling to Ireland in January because of Covid-19. Prosecution account reported by CNI

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Finding Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report