Man before Special Criminal Court on IRA membership charge

A 24-year-old Louth man has been brought before the Special Criminal Court, charged with IRA membership.

Adrian Crevan Mackin of Mullach Alainn, Omeath, was brought before a special sitting of the court on Sunday afternoon.

He was charged with membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the IRA on Friday last January 16th.

Detective Garda Ciaran Hobbs gave evidence of his arrest, charge and caution at the Crescent, Dundalk. He said he informed him that the DPP had directed he be charged with IRA membership, but that he made no reply to caution.

The three-judge court, with Mr Justice Paul Butler residing, agreed with a State application that it be the court to deal with the case.

Dressed in a grey, knitted cardigan, and black tracksuit bottoms, the accused then stood while the registrar read over the charge to him. He was remanded in custody and is due in court again on Thursday.

His barrister, Tony McGillicuddy BL, said he would apply for bail and legal aid on that day.