A Belfast man accused of the capital murder of a garda 18 years ago had a walkie-talkie when he was arrested after a bank robbery in May 1997, the Special Criminal Court has been told.
Det Sgt John McCormack said gardai believed Mr Sean Hughes might have had an accomplice and wanted to question him about the robbery in Swinford, Co Mayo, i wanted to question him Mr Hughes although they were aware he was wanted for questioning in connection with the murder of Garda Patrick Reynolds in 1982.
Det Sgt McCormack told Mr Hughes's counsel, Mr Paul McDermott SC, he had spoken to another garda about his suspicion that the man arrested after the bank robbery was Mr Hughes.
The court was told Mr Hughes repeatedly refused to give his name or address and tried to escape from Swinford Garda station. He was eventually identified by a tattoo on his arm.
Det Sgt McCormack said he did not question Mr Hughes about the murder of Garda Reynolds because he was not involved in that investigation. He only became aware after Mr Hughes was charged that there were warrants in existence for his arrest in connection with the murder.
Det Sgt McCormack was giving evidence on the issue of the admissibility of alleged verbal admissions made by Mr Hughes, relating to the murder of Garda Reynolds, while he was in custody at Swinford in May 1997. Mr Hughes's lawyers are challenging the admissibility of the alleged admissions and the legality of his detention under the Offences Against the State Act at Swinford Garda station.
It was the 12th day of the trial of Mr Hughes (42), of Albert Terrace, Belfast, who denies the capital murder of Garda Patrick Reynolds (23) at Avonbeg Gardens, Tallaght, Co Dublin, on February 20th, 1982.