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IRA accused facing almost two years in custody before trial

Summary

The Special Criminal Court has fixed a trial date of June 9, 2015, for seven men accused of membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the IRA. The accused are Peter Burns (39) of Glenshane Crescent, Tallaght; Kevin Braney (39) of Glenshane Crescent, Tallaght; Michael Barr (33) of Carlton Court, Poppintree, Ballymun; Brian Nick McBennett (54) of Ard Collum Avenue, Artane; John Brock (41) of Glenview Park, Tallaght; Declan Phelan (31) of Lanndale Lawns, Tallaght; and Desmond Christie (49) of Liam Mellows Road, Finglas. All were charged on July 3 last year. Mr Justice Paul Butler presided and noted it was "most unfortunate" that defendants face such long pre-trial custody, acknowledging the presumption of innocence. Defence counsel Mr Jim Mc Cullough BL argued that Des Christie, in custody since July 5, 2013, would spend 23 months in custody before trial, citing a prima facie breach of the European Convention on Human Rights. The judge stated the court's dates were full. The matter was adjourned to the fixed trial date.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: IRA accused facing almost two years in custody before trial. Procedural stage: charge_or_pretrial

When:

• July 5th, 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
• June 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
• June 9th Hearing Or Sentence
• July 3rd Other
• 2014-01-21 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Charge Or Pretrial

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Read the original CNI report