Prosecution: Suspect admitted 'to being a member of the INLA'

The trial of two Waterford men accused of INLA membership began today at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin.

John O’Donoghue (aged 27) of Clonard Park, Ballybeg, Co Waterford and James Butler (aged 55) of Ardmore Park, Ballybeg, Co Waterford pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish National Liberation Army, otherwise the INLA on June 18, this year.

Opening the prosecution case, Ms Mary Ellen Ring SC told the court that in June, Waterford gardaí received information concerning the unlawful possession of firearms and possible explosive devices in Waterford.

She said that on the morning of June 18, gardaí searched 63, Clonard Park, Waterford, and found two balaclavas as well as a black peaked cap with a long hair wig attached.

She said that while the search was underway, John O’Donoghue arrived. His car was searched and bank statements issued to him at 248, Larchville Estate, Waterford were found, she said.

Ms Ellen Ring also told the court that, on the same morning, another garda team searched 104, Ardmore Park, Waterford, and that James Butler was there. She said that mobile phones, an assortment of documents, as well as clothing bearing the insignia ‘Kevin Barry Cumann’ were found.

Ms Ellen Ring told the court that a third search then took place at 248, Larchville Estate, Waterford. She said that while the search was underway, the postman arrived and included in the post were letters addressed to John O’Donoghue at that address. She said that as a result of the search, a black hold-all bag was found in the attic containing two replica hand-guns, four balaclavas, gloves, a screw-driver and a vehicle licence plate.

Ms Ellen Ring said that, during a subsequent garda interview, Butler "made admissions to being a member of the INLA".

She said that the case against O’Donoghue is based on the belief evidence of Waterford gardaí, the accused’s access to 248, Larchville, Waterford and the black hold-all located there.

She said that the case against Butler is also based on the belief evidence of Waterford gardaí, as well as the admissions to INLA membership she said that Butler made during garda questioning and alleged attendance at various fund-raisers.

The trial before Mr Justice Paul Butler presiding at the three-judge court continues tomorrow.