Trial brought forward in 'INLA membership' case

A Louth man charged with INLA membership will be tried in the Special Criminal Court this November after an application to have his trial moved forward from January next year.

Paul Kelly (aged 44), of Cedarwood Park, Cox’s Demense, Dundalk, Co Louth, is charged with membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish National Liberation Army, otherwise known as the INLA on December 20th last year.

Mr Justice Paul Butler, presiding at the three-judge court, granted an application from Mr Kelly’s counsel to have his trial date switched from January next year to this November, in place of another accused, Barry O’Brien, who was originally to be tried at that time and will now be tried next January.

Barry O’Brien (aged 35), of Oaktate, Stonetown, Dundalk, Co Louth is charged with IRA membership on April 6, 2004.

Mr Kelly was remanded in custody until November.

Mr O’Brien was remanded on bail until January.