Judge refuses to halt trial

A Belfast judge has refused to stop the trial of a UCD law graduate who allegedly "infiltrated" a Belfast law firm to spy on judges, lawyers, loyalist paramilitaries and the security forces for the IRA. Mr Justice Coghlin, sitting in Craigavon Crown Court yesterday, said Mr John Charles Tumelty (35) had a case to answer and that his trial must continue. Afterwards, Mr Tumelty, originally from west Belfast, declined to give or call any evidence in his own defence. Mr Tumelty, of Strathearn Court, Holywood, Co Down, denies 14 charges, including two of IRA membership, and collecting and conspiring to collect information useful to terrorists.