A suspected IRA man was secretly recorded making a £100,000 sterling blackmail demand, a court in Northern Ireland heard today.
Mr Richard Ronan O'Donnell (55) is facing charges of membership of the paramilitary organisation and running a plot to force the cash handover.
Mr O'Donnell, of Old Course Road, Downpatrick, Co Down, denies the offences.
With the alleged victim referred to only as Witness A, Belfast Magistrates' Court was told police had real concerns about his identity being disclosed.
Mr O'Donnell's solicitor, Mr Peter Corrigan, said his client had urged detectives to investigate the central witness's background during interviews.
Replying to the charge of making unwarranted demands with menaces between September 15th and October 14th, 2004, the accused replied: "I have asked police to investigate his criminal conduct in this matter and this will prove my innocence. I have been framed and set up."
A police constable told the court he could connect the accused with the blackmail attempt and IRA membership on the same dates.
During cross-examination by Mr Corrigan the officer denied that the credibility of Witness A was a central issue for the defence.
He said: "I don't see it that way. The offence is complete. It was recorded on tape which speaks for itself."
Mr O'Donnell was remanded in custody to appear via video link from Newtownards Magistrates' Court on November 12th.
PA