Militant accused posed danger to others, claims Garda

A senior garda told the Special Criminal Court today that he believed the man accused of IRA membership was in charge of the IRA in the Dublin area.

Joseph Clarke (aged 37), Forestwood Close, Santry Avenue, Dublin, who denies membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hÉireann, otherwise the IRA on January 9 this year.

Detective Chief Supt Philip Kelly, who is the head of the Special Detective Unit, told Mr Tom O’Connell SC, prosecuting, of his belief that Mr Clarke had been a member of the IRA since 2002.

Det Chief Supt Kelly claimed privilege on the sources of his belief and said it was “confidential information” given to him by both Garda and non-Garda sources.

“I wouldn’t like to disclose the source of that information for the simple reason that it would endanger life,” he said.

Under cross-examination by Mr Diarmaid McGuinness SC, defending, Det Chief Supt Kelly admitted he had never met or spoken to Mr Clarke.

He also said that he knew at the time of Mr Clarke’s arrest that he was “in charge of the Dublin area”.

Another senior Garda, Detective Superintendent Diarmuid O’Sullivan told the court, “there was a danger somebody was going to be killed,” if gardaí had not arrested a man accused of IRA membership when they did.

Det Supt O’Sullivan told Mr McGuinness that the reason Mr Clarke had not been arrested before January of this year was because he was waiting to collect the necessary evidence to ensure a conviction of directing the unlawful organisation.

However, he said he was forced to act because he believed Mr Clarke posed a threat to the safety of others.

The trial before Mr Justice John McMenamin presiding at the three-judge court continues tomorrow.