Waterford man convicted of INLA membership

A Waterford man has been convicted of INLA membership at the Special Criminal Court today.

John O’Donoghue (aged 27) of Clonard Park, Ballybeg, Co Waterford had pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Another Waterford man, James Butler (aged 55) of Ardmore Park, Ballybeg, who also pleaded not guilty to the charge, was acquitted.

Mr Justice Paul Butler, presiding at the three-judge court, said that the court had the evidence of Chief Supt Patrick Murphy, Waterford, of his belief that each of the accused was on June 18, 2007 a member of the INLA.

He said that the court found Chief Supt Murphy to be a “forthright and credible witness” and that the beliefs expressed by him were “honestly and reasonably held”.

Mr Justice Butler said that the failure of John O’Donoghue to answer questions during garda interviews amounted to corroboration of the evidence of Chief Supt Murphy.

O’Donoghue was remanded on bail for sentencing next month.

In the case of the other accused, James Butler, Mr Justice Butler said that the court “did not find outside evidence to sufficiently support” the belief evidence of Chief Supt Murphy.