Arrest of man for IRA membership was 'lawful'

The Special Criminal Court today ruled that the arrest of a man on trial for IRA membership was lawful.

Thomas (Tom) Redmond (aged 62) with addresses at The Grove, Clonard, Co Wexford and The Gate Post, Forth Commons, co Wexford has pleaded not guilty to membership of an illegal organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the IRA on October 1st, 1999.

Mr Justice Diarmuid O'Donovan, presiding, said the court was satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that the accused's arrest at 9.40am on October 1st 1999 was "not tainted with any illegalities." The defence had argued that the detention was unlawful because the arresting officer had accepted in cross-examination that had Mr Redmond sought to leave his home prior to the arrest, he would have been free to do so.

The court has heard that metal parts found at the accused's home and workshop were allegedly linked to home made grenade and rocket launchers uncovered in arms finds at Killellan, Castlebridge and Shelmalier Commons co Wexford on Octobe4th and 5th 1999.

Today another 'trial within a trial' began over the admissibility of evidence concerning the questioning of the accused at Wexford Garda Station between October 1st and 4th 1999 under the Offences Against the State (amendment) Act 1998.

The court is expected to rule on the issue tomorrow.