A 28 year old Co Limerick man charged with IRA membership was injured while in Garda custody, it was alleged at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin yesterday.
Mr John Quinn, of Faha, Patrickswell, was accused of membership of the IRA on June 9th and possession of ammunition at Patrickswell, Co Limerick, on June 6th.
His barrister, Ms Mary Ellen Ring, told the court she had received instructions that while in custody at Henry Street Garda station in Limerick, Mr Quinn had received a number of injuries.
His present physical and mental condition is of concern. He has complained of periods of unconsciousness and memory loss as a result of these injuries.
Ms Ring said her client had injuries to the face and body including swelling of the elbows and hands. He had also passed blood in his urine and had been unable to eat or sleep for 48 hours.
She applied to the court to have Mr Quinn sent to the Mater Hospital, Dublin, for a full medical examination. She said he had been examined by a doctor in the court precincts.
When pressed by Mr Justice Morris, presiding, Ms Ring said the doctor who had examined Mr Quinn was unable to say that he was not fit to travel to Portlaoise Prison.
Assistant State solicitor Mr Brendan Counihan, said Mr Quinn had been brought to Limerick Regional Hospital yesterday morning. He was discharged by a consultant and deemed fit to travel. He understood there were some minor injuries.
Mr Justice Morris said there was no evidence that the accused man was not fit to travel to Portlaoise Prison.
The court remanded Mr Quinn in custody until June 25th.
He had to be helped to his seat at the beginning of the 20 minute hearing by two gardai. He was also helped to his feet before the charges were read out. The judge said he could remain seated as he was in some difficulty.
Det Sgt John Heelan, of Henry Street Garda station, said he had arrested Mr Quinn outside the station at 10.28 p.m. on Tuesday. He agreed with Ms Ring that Mr Quinn had been arrested under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act on June 9th but had been released twice from custody to receive medical attention.