Courts / Mayo / Report

Judge "increasingly pessimistic" about establishment of second Special Criminal Court

Summary

A High Court judge presiding over the Special Criminal Court has expressed growing scepticism regarding the establishment of a second such court, which the Government announced in October 2015. Mr Justice Paul Butler made the remarks during proceedings concerning two brothers from Claremorris, County Mayo. Colin Mannion, aged 33, and Brian Mannion, aged 31, both of Burriscarra, Clogher, face charges of membership of an unlawful organisation, namely the IRA, on 9 June 2012. They are also charged with unlawful possession of explosive substances and related components discovered at their home on the same date. The second court was proposed to address a significant backlog in the existing court's caseload. Mr Justice Butler indicated he remained doubtful that a trial date would be fixed at the next mention, scheduled for 26 January 2016.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Judge "increasingly pessimistic" about establishment of second Special Criminal Court. Charges or matters: membership of an unlawful organisation; unlawful possession of explosive substances. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• June 9, 2012 Incident
• January 26th Hearing Or Sentence
• 2016-01-19 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial

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Read the original CNI report