IRA accused refused bail

A Northern Ireland man accused of membership of an illegal organisation was refused bail in the Special Criminal Court today to prevent the commission of a serious offence.

Objecting to a bail application by Patrick J (PJ) Blair, Det Inspector James Sheridan, Dundalk, told the court that during a search of the accused's home, gardai found 17 rounds of ammunition in the inside pocket of a jacket owned by Mr Blair.

The jacket was under an open stairwell in the hallway.

Det Inspector Sheridan said the accused admitted to gardai that the jacket was his.

Asked if Mr Blair had offered an explanation for the ammunition, Det Inspector Sheridan replied: "He said the jacket was in his car" which was parked all day outside a bookies shop in Dundalk.

He added that the accused "said he knew nothing" about the ammunition, which, the det inspector said was for use with a Stira rifle.

Det Inspector Sheridan objected to bail on the grounds that membership of an unlawful organisation was "a continuing offence".

If granted bail he will commit further offences and would continue "to further the aim of an unlawful organisation," Det Inspector Sheridan added.

The court heard that the accused denied membership of an unlawful organisation while questioned under the Offences Against the State (Amendment) Act 1998.

Mr Justice Richard Johnson, presiding said the court was satisfied that bail should be refused "to prevent the commission of a serious offence" by the accused.

Patrick (PJ) Blair (47) a native of Newry Co Down with an address at Villas One, Muirhevnamore, Dundalk, Co Louth, is charged with membership of an illegal organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireannn, otherwise the IRA on Saturday, December 14, 2002.

He is further charged with unlawful possession of 17 rounds of ammunition on the same date.

The court remanded the accused in custody until January 29.