An INLA gang was contracted by a businessman to clear out unwanted tenants from a house in Castleknock in Dublin, it was alleged at the Special Criminal Court yesterday. The prosecution alleged the gang was led by a Northern Ireland man, Mr Gary Adams, who told the tenants he had been given orders to clear the house. Supt Peter Maguire said he believed Mr Adams would intimidate witnesses if he was not remanded in custody. He opposed bail for Mr Adams (35), a native of Co Antrim, who has an address at Crescent One, Muirhevnamore, Dundalk, Co Louth.
Mr Adams is charged with INLA membership and with having a hammer to intimidate another person at Oaktree Drive, Castleknock, on August 1st last year. Three other men have been charged with having a hammer to intimidate another person at Castleknock on the same date. They are Mr Damien Bond (31), of Dollargey Ave, Muirhevnamore, Dundalk, Mr Thomas Murray (24), of Marian Park, Dundalk, and Mr Bart O'Connor (57), of Whitethorn Close, Artane, Dublin. Mr Bond is also charged with INLA membership on August 1st, 1996.
Supt Maguire said a number of INLA members, led by Mr Adams, went to Dublin after they were contracted by a businessman to clear tenants from a house in Castleknock. A number of people, including women, had been intimidated.
Mr Justice Barr, presiding, said the court accepted Supt Maguire's evidence. The court refused bail and remanded Mr Adams, Mr Bond and Mr Murray in custody and Mr O'Connor on continuing bail until October 8th.