Courts / Louth / Report
Former soldier Lisa Smith's Isis conviction is 'sound' - DPP
Summary
In a Court of Appeal hearing on 9 May 2025, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) argued that former soldier Lisa Smith's 2022 conviction for membership of the Islamic State (ISIS) was sound and should be upheld. DPP counsel Tony McGillicuddy cited evidence from Smith's own text messages, social media, and testimony from witnesses such as Carol Karimah Duffy and Tania Joya Choudhury, who described Smith's expressions of jihad, desire to fight, and intent to travel to Syria. He also referenced Smith's garda interviews about her divorce and expert testimony from Dr Florence Gaub on the misuse of a one‑finger salute by ISIS. Defence counsel Michael O'Higgins countered that no evidence showed Smith recruited, funded, or actively participated in ISIS activities, and that her travel to Syria alone did not prove membership. The court was instructed to reserve judgment on the appeal. Lisa Smith pleaded not guilty. Islamic State pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Former soldier Lisa Smith's Isis conviction is 'sound' - DPP. Charges or matters: Isis membership by the Special Criminal Court in 2022 (Photo: Collins) by Fiona Magennis Former soldier Lisa Smith's conviction for membership of Islamic State is "sound" and should be upheld, the State has told the Court of Appeal; membership of an unlawful terrorist group, Islamic State, between October 28, 2015 and December 1, 2019. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Convicted
When:
- October 28, 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
- December 1, 2019 Hearing Or Sentence
- January 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2025-05-09 Publication
Why: He noted Ms Choudhury had told the court: "Lisa said she would fight because she had training". CNI source report
Case subjects
Applicant
Applicant
Charges: membership of an unlawful terrorist group, Islamic State, between October 28, 2015 and December 1, 2019 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Appellant
Charges: Isis membership by the Special Criminal Court in 2022 (Photo: Collins) by Fiona Magennis Former soldier Lisa Smith's conviction for membership of Islamic State is "sound" and should be upheld, the State has told the Court of Appeal; membership of an unlawful terrorist group, Islamic State, between October 28, 2015 and December 1, 2019 (Proven)
Plea: Not guilty
Finding: Convicted
Outcome: Convicted
Places mentioned
Topics
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