Suspected IRA member faces arms charges

A TYRONE man appeared before a special sitting of the Special Criminal Court in Dublin yesterday on charges of IRA membership and related weapons offences.

David Jordan, aged 38, of Donaghmore, Co Tyrone, is accused of being a member of the IRA and having asemi-automatic pistol and rounds of ammunition in his possession for unlawfulpurposes.

Detective Garda Paul Cullen of Ballyconnell Garda Station, Co Cavan, gave evidence of formally arresting the accused at Doon, Ballyconnell on Saturday at 9.45am for the purpose of bringing him before the Special Criminal Court.

Jordan is charged with membership of an illegal organisation, namely the IRA, under Section 21 of the Offences Against the State Act. He is also charged with two additional offences under Section 27 of the Firearms Act.

The court heard that Jordan is accused of having a semi-automatic pistol and eight rounds of 9mm ammunition at St Martin’s Row, Belturbet, Co Cavan on January 8.

Det Gda Cullen said he had explained in ordinary language to Jordan that he was arrested because it was believed he was a member of an illegal organisation when the offences were committed. The court heard that Jordan made no reply.

Jordan was one of three males arrested by gardaí during a search of a house in Belturbet, Co Cavan, last Friday.

Two other men detained during the raid were released without charge. A file on their case will be prepared for the DPP.

Liam Mulholland for the DPP, said it was directed that Jordan be brought before the Special Criminal Court because the charges were scheduled offences.

Dressed in a red sweatshirt and jeans, Jordan smiled and waved at a small group of family and friends who sat at the back of the public gallery in the courtroom.

The accused refused to recognise the court and remained sitting when asked by the court clerk to stand up and confirm his name before the charges were formally read out to him.

Jordan’s solicitor, Michael Finucane, had no objections to the DPP’s request for his client to be remanded in custody for a week.

Mr Justice Paul Butler, sitting with Judge Alison Lindsay and Judge William Hamill, remanded the accused in custody to appear before another sitting of the Special Criminal Court at the Criminal Courts Complex, Parkgate Street on January 15.

Mr Justice Butler noted that yesterday’s court hearing was “the true, final sitting” of the Special Criminal Court at Green Street as the occasion had been formally marked during the previous sitting on December 18 last.

Security at the Green Street complex was tight, while all those entering the courtroom were subjected to a full body search.

A small band of supporters from the North cheered Jordan as he was led from the courtroom.