Man joined INLA 'to protect himself'

A Waterford man said during garda interviews that he joined the INLA to "protect himself" from anti-social behaviour, the Special Criminal Court heard today.

It was the fourth day of the trial of James Butler (aged 55), Ardmore Park, Ballybeg, Co Waterford and John O’Donoghue (aged 27), Clonard Park, Ballybeg, Co Waterford, who both deny membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish National Liberation Army, otherwise the INLA on June 18, this year.