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"IRA bomb maker" jailed for six years for explosives possession at Dublin hotel

Summary

During a three‑week Special Criminal Court trial in February, Samuel Devlin, a 58‑year‑old Northern Ireland man, was found guilty of unlawful possession of PETN, a high‑grade explosive, at Finnstown House Hotel in Lucan, Dublin. The court heard that detectives, acting on information about IRA activity, searched the hotel on 11 May 2014 and discovered three rolls of detonator cord, 26 metres in total, wrapped in a towel inside a laptop bag. Forensic analysis confirmed the presence of PETN. Devlin was present during the search and was arrested; while in detention he denied possession or knowledge of the explosive. He had no prior convictions. Judge Paul Butler, after noting the seriousness of the offence and the potential for a car bomb, sentenced Devlin to six years' imprisonment, back‑dated to his arrest on 11 May 2014. The sentence was imposed without reference to any later evidence of a car bomb.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: "IRA bomb maker" jailed for six years for explosives possession at Dublin hotel. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Found guilty

When:

• May 11th, 2014 Incident
• May 2014 Incident
• May 11th Hearing Or Sentence
• 2016-04-06 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence

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Read the original CNI report