Man found not guilty of IRA charge

A 38-year-old Dundalk man has been found not guilty of IRA membership by the Special Criminal Court today.

A 38-year-old Dundalk man has been found not guilty of IRA membership by the Special Criminal Court today.

Seamus McMahon, of Ashbrook, Dundalk, had pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the IRA on October 7 th, 2004.

During the seven day trial, Garda Chief Superintendent Patrick McGee gave evidence of his belief that the accused was a member of an unlawful organisation.

Mr McMahon denied membership under oath on the sixth day of the trial.

Presiding at the three judge court, Mr Justice Paul Butler said the court was not satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt of the guilt of the accused as they were not able to convict on the evidence of the Chief Superintendent alone.

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