Court told file being prepared on suspected INLA leader

An “extensive” garda file on the suspected leader of the INLA in Dublin is currently being compiled, the Special Criminal Court heard today.

Declan Duffy, a 34-year-old native of Armagh City, with an address at Hanover St West, Dublin 8 was charged last month with membership of an illegal organisation styling itself the Irish National Liberation Army, otherwise the INLA on June 22.

Prosecution solicitor Mr Michael O’Donovan told the court that an “extensive” file is being compiled by the gardaí dealing with “alleged activities over a long period of time” and that it is anticipated to be ready in early October.

Mr Justice Paul Butler, presiding at the three-judge court, agreed with Duffy’s counsel that “all the stops should be pulled out”.

Duffy was sentenced to nine years imprisonment by the Special Criminal Court in 2000 for possession of firearms and false imprisonment relating to the `Ballymount bloodbath’ when an INLA member was killed.

He was refused bail last month after the court heard that gardai believe he would continue to direct the activities of the terrorist organisation and attempt to procure guns and explosives if freed.

Mr Justice Butler remanded Duffy in custody until early October when the case will be mentioned again.