A former Army Corporal who served 26 years in the Defence Forces today denied membership of an illegal organisation styling itself the IRA at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin.

A witness told a Special Criminal Court trial today that he believed an extra payment of €25,000 demanded after a threat was made to his club was "essential to keep the club open".

A Dublin businessman lived through a “nightmare” over the past few months because of intimidation and threats made before and during the trial of two men accused of membership of an illegal organisation, the Special Criminal Court heard today.

A Dublin businessman told the Special Criminal Court today that he ran away from his lap dancing club in Temple Bar because of threats from the Continuity IRA.