Courts / Louth / Report
Lisa Smith's lawyers object to Facebook message evidence
Summary
Lawyers for Lisa Smith, a former Irish soldier aged 40 from Dundalk, Co. Louth, are contesting evidence of Facebook messages that prosecutors claim link her to Islamic State and a convicted terrorist. Smith denies membership in the unlawful terrorist group between 28 October 2015 and 1 December 2019 and denies financing terrorism by sending €800 via Western Union to a named man on 6 May 2015. During a hearing before a three‑judge Special Criminal Court, Detective Sergeant Carrie O'Connor informed counsel that a warrant issued in December 2019 allowed access to Facebook messages dating back to 2013. The messages allegedly show contact with John Georgelas, an American convert to Islam wanted in the United States for supporting a terrorist organisation, and with Robert Edward Cerantonio, an Australian who pleaded guilty in 2016 to preparing an incursion into the Philippines. Mr. Michael O'Higgins SC will file objections to the Facebook evidence tomorrow, while Mr. Lisa Smith pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Lisa Smith's lawyers object to Facebook message evidence. Charges or matters: membership of an unlawful terrorist group, Islamic State, between October 28th, 2015 and December 1st, 2019; financing terrorism by sending €800 in assistance, via a Western Union money transfer, to a named man on May 6th, 2015; providing support for a terrorist organisation and conspiring to support a terrorist organisation. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- October 28th, 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
- December 1st, 2019 Hearing Or Sentence
- May 6th, 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
- December 2019 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2022-03-01 Publication
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: membership of an unlawful terrorist group, Islamic State, between October 28th, 2015 and December 1st, 2019; financing terrorism by sending €800 in assistance, via a Western Union money transfer, to a named man on May 6th, 2015; providing support for a terrorist organisation and conspiring to support a terrorist organisation (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
Topics
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