Five accused of INLA membership remanded in custody

The Special Criminal Court has remanded five men in custody today after they were charged with being members of the INLA.

Gareth Dunne (aged 22), Clonard Rd, Crumlin, Dublin 12, Gerard Kelleher (aged 27), Cathedral View Walk, Kevin St, Dublin 8, Neil Myles (aged 53), of no fixed abode, Edward McGarrigle (aged 42), Melmont Gardens, Strabane, Co Tyrone, and John McCrossan (aged 46), Ballycoleman Estate, Strabane, Co Tyrone, were charged with membership of an illegal organisation styling itself the INLA on Friday, contrary to the Offences against the State Act.

Detective Garda Robert Lackey told the court that he arrested Mr Dunne at Kyrl St, Cork on Sunday night.

He said that, when cautioned, Mr Dunne replied: “I’m not guilty.”

Mr Dunne was represented by solicitor Peter Mullan.

Detective Sergeant John Cahill told the court that he arrested Mr Kelleher on Sunday morning at Anglesea St, Cork and that he made no reply when cautioned.

Mr Kelleher was represented by Ronan Munro BL.

Detective Sergeant Marilyn Brosnan told the court that she arrested Mr Myles on Sunday night in Mayfield, Cork and that, when cautioned, he replied, “I am not a member of the INLA.”

She agreed with Gerry Charleton BL, defending, when he asked her if Mr Myles “denied at all times membership of the INLA” during garda interviews.

Detective Garda Ian Kenny told the court that he arrested Mr McGarrigle on Sunday morning at Baker’s Walk, Cork. He said that, when cautioned, Mr McGarrigle replied: “I believe this is an unjust, immoral charge based on Draconian law. I am innocent of any charge.”

He also told Mr Charleton that MrMcGarrigle “denied INLA membership” during garda interviews.

Detective Sergeant Tim Murphy told the court that he arrested Mr McCrossan on Sunday night in Mayfield, Cork and that he made no reply when cautioned.

He agreed with Mr Charleton that the Mr McCrossan “denied INLA membership” during garda interviews.

Mr Justice Paul Butler, presiding at the three-judge court, remanded the five men in custody until Friday morning, when bail applications are expected to be heard.