Courts / Dublin / Report

Adjournment in trial of man charged with withholding information on David Black murder

Date
2014-02-27
Stage
Charge Or Pretrial
Primary locality
Smithfield
County
Dublin

Summary

The Special Criminal Court adjourned the trial of Vincent Banks, 44, of Smithfield, Dublin, who pleaded not guilty to withholding information about the murder of prison officer David Black. The trial was set to begin this morning after a successful defence application to adjourn. Banks' counsel, Mr Micheál P. O'Higgins SC, explained that the defence was anxious to obtain PSNI investigation details and that a PSNI inspector had confirmed the disclosure request was under review. A detailed letter was sent to the inspector that morning. Mr O'Higgins requested the trial be postponed to allow the process to close out. The State's counsel, Mr Paul Greene SC, agreed, and Mr Justice Paul Butler adjourned the trial until tomorrow. Banks is also charged with membership of an unlawful organisation, the IRA, and remains remanded on that count. The murder of David Black, 52, occurred on 1 November 2012 when he was shot while driving to work near Lurgan. Dissident republicans claimed responsibility.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Adjournment in trial of man charged with withholding information on David Black murder. Procedural stage: charge_or_pretrial

When:

Case subjects

Unnamed accused

Accused

Outcome: The Special Criminal Court trial of a man who has pleaded not guilty to withholding information in relation to the murder of Northern Ireland prison officer David Black has been adjourned until tomorrow.

Places mentioned

Court Venue
  • The Special Criminal Court
Facility
  • Northern Ireland prison
Journey Or Route

Topics

Stage Charge Or Pretrial Violent Crime

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