Courts / Cavan / Report
Claimed Continuity IRA attack on PSNI station went unnoticed, court hears
Summary
The appeal of Desmond Smith and Stephen Hamill, who admitted to knowingly rendering assistance to an organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army (IRA) on March 13 and March 18, 2021, was heard in the Special Criminal Court. Both men pleaded guilty to the charges and are appealing for a non-custodial sentence, having pledged to have no further association with paramilitary organisations. Their legal representatives argued that their clients were at the 'lower level of the organisation' and expressed remorse for their actions. Counsel for both men highlighted their clients' personal circumstances, including Smith's medical conditions and family ties in Australia, and Hamill's role as a chef, musician, and father, as well as his community contributions. The court heard that an improvised 'slam gun' was discovered near Enniskillen police station following a search, and that phone calls purporting to be from the Continuity IRA were made to media outlets in the North and Border region. Mr Justice Tony Hunt adjourned the matter to October 14 for sentencing.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Claimed Continuity IRA attack on PSNI station went unnoticed, court hears. Charges or matters: knowingly rendering assistance to an organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Óglaigh na hÉireann, otherwise the IRA in the performance or furtherance of an unlawful object on March 18, 2021 within the State; the same offence on March 13, 2021. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- March 18, 2021 Incident
- March 13, 2021 Incident
- March 13 Incident
- March 14, 2021 Other
- March 16, 2021 Incident
- March 17, 2021 Incident
- February 2021 Incident
- March 2021 Incident
- October 14 Adjournment
- 2024-07-17 Publication
Case subjects
Appellant
Charges: knowingly rendering assistance to an organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Óglaigh na hÉireann, otherwise the IRA in the performance or furtherance of an unlawful object on March 18, 2021 within the State; the same offence on March 13, 2021 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Desmond Smith and Stephen Hamill have appealed to the three-judge court for a non-custodial sentence, having pledged to have nothing to do with paramilitary organisations in the future. Counsel for both men said their clients, who were apologetic, were at the "lower level of the organisation" and asked the court to consider a non-custodial sentence.; Mr Justice Tony Hunt, presiding, adjourned the matter to October 14 for sentencing.
Appellant
Charges: knowingly rendering assistance to an organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Óglaigh na hÉireann, otherwise the IRA in the performance or furtherance of an unlawful object on March 18, 2021 within the State; the same offence on March 13, 2021 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Lawyers for both Desmond Smith and Stephen Hamill have appealed to the three-judge court for a non-custodial sentence, having pledged to have nothing to do with paramilitary organisations in the future. Counsel for both men said their clients, who were apologetic, were at the "lower level of the organisation" and asked the court to consider a non-custodial sentence.; Mr Justice Tony Hunt, presiding, adjourned the matter to October 14 for sentencing.
Places mentioned
- Special Criminal Court
- Kilnavara Crescent
- Cavan
- Enniskillen
- Newtownbutler Road
Topics
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