Man walks free from court after explosives trial collapses

A Waterford man accused of IRA membership and having three improvised mortar launch tubes at his home in 2011 has walked free from court after the collapse of his trial.

Joseph Mooney, aged 43, of Cullinagh, Kilmeaden, had denied the unlawful possession of three mortar launch tubes at his home on Sept 22, 2011, at the Special Criminal Court.

Presiding judge Mr Justice Paul Butler said the court did not have solid evidence before it that three 1m-high tubes found in the home of Mr Mooney were an explosive substance.