Courts / Louth / Report
Lucinda Creighton's statement on Lisa Smith trial a 'blatant contempt of court', defence lawyers say
Summary
In a Special Criminal Court hearing on 17 January 2022, defence counsel Michael O'Higgins SC criticised a statement released by former Minister of State Lucinda Creighton. Creighton had said that Lisa Smith's attempt to have ISIS membership charges dismissed posed a "significant threat to European security" and that the courts must proceed with the trial. O'Higgins called the statement "very detrimental" and a "blatant contempt of court", arguing it interfered with the course of justice. Smith, 39, from Dundalk, faces charges under the Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) Act 2005 for ISIS membership from 28 October 2015 to 1 December 2019 and for financing terrorism by sending €800 via Western Union in May 2015. Smith's defence applied under Section 4E of the Criminal Justice Act 1999 to dismiss the charges on the basis of insufficient evidence.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Lucinda Creighton's statement on Lisa Smith trial a 'blatant contempt of court', defence lawyers say. Charges or matters: 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: trial
When:
- October 28, 2015 Incident
- December 1, 2019 Incident
- May 6, 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2022-01-17 Publication
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: 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 (Alleged Or Contested)
Outcome: Ms Smith, who appeared in court today dressed in a full-length grey coat and a full face covering, was remanded on continuing bail until tomorrow.
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