Barrister warns Special Criminal Court gangland plans are premature

GOVERNMENT plans to have gangland murders and other serious crimes brought before the Special Criminal Court could be premature, a criminal barrister has warned.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern suggested in the Dáil on Tuesday that laws could be changed if gangs continue to intimidate witnesses due to give evidence in murder trials. He also indicated tough sanctions were being considered in relation to gun law, referring to the Special Criminal Court, which can hear cases of serious crime with evidence of senior gardaí’s opinions on a defendant’s activities, usually not admitted in other courts.

Tony McGillicuddy, a Dublin barrister, said measures were being considered without recent tougher crime legislation being tested in the courts.