Three IRA accused to go on trial in London in April

Three men accused of IRA-linked arms offences will go on trial at the Old Bailey in London in April, it was decided today.

Fintan Paul O'Farrell, 35, Declan John Rafferty, 41, and Christopher McDonald, 44, all from Co Louth, were arrested in a small spa town in Slovakia on July 5, allegedly after trying to procure arms.

The three, who were extradited to Britain last month, are charged with offences including membership of the IRA and conspiring with Michael McKevitt and others to buy weapons for terrorism.