Former Special Branch head testifies in IRA trial

The former head of the Special Branch told the Special Criminal Court today that he believed a Dublin man was a member of an illegal organisation.

Detective Chief Superintendent Basil Walsh, who is now retired, said that he believed Declan Carroll was a member of an illegal organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the IRA on July 29, 2001.

Carroll (aged 27), of Edenmore Crescent, Raheny has pleaded not guilty to the membership charge.

Detective Supt Basil Walsh said his belief was based on confidential information.

Prosecuting counsel Mr Patrick J Mc Carthy SC told the court that gardaí who had a search warrant went to a room at the Neptune Beach Hotel at Bettystown, Co Meath on July 29, 2001.

He said that three men who are not before the court on this occasion were found in the room and immediately afterwards the accused, Carroll, entered the room.

Carroll was arrested and taken to Kevin St Garda Station. Mr Mc Carthy said that gardaí found a stun gun in a hold all bag in the room.

Mr Mc Carthy said that the case against Carroll consisted of the opinion of Detective Chief Supt Walsh, Carroll's failure to answer material questions relating to his membership of an illegal organisation when interviewed by gardaí, and circumstantial evidence.

The trial is continuing.