Dublin man denies IRA membership

The Special Criminal Court has reserved judgment in the trial of a Dublin man accused of IRA membership.

Philip Bollard (aged 22), of The Park, Grange Manor, Lucan, Co Dublin has denied membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise known as the IRA on November 15, 2006.

The court has been told that Bollard was targeted by the Crime and Security Branch as part of an investigation into the activities of the Real IRA.

Detective Chief Superintendent Philip Kelly, of the Special Detective unit, has told the court that he believed Bollard was a member of the IRA on November 15, 2006. The court has heard that the prosecution case against Bollard consists of the Chief Supt's belief, Bollard's association, conduct and behaviour and inferences that could be drawn from interviews with gardai after his arrest