IRA blackmail-plot jury still out

The jury trying two former IRA prisoners for an alleged blackmail plot against a couple of businessmen today began the second day of their deliberations.

Ronald McCartney, aged 55, who attempted to murder three policeman in the mid-70s, and Nick Mullen, aged 60, once alleged to have been a “quartermaster” for an IRA active service unit, allegedly warned the men to hand over £150,000 (€166,190) each “or face the consequences”, Southwark Crown Court was told.

McCartney, aged 55, of Ross Road, Belfast, and Mullen, of Birlington Mews, West Acton, west London, each deny two counts of conspiracy to blackmail between January 1 and April 16, 2008.

So, too, does co-defendant Louis O’Hara, aged 43, of Collard Avenue, Loughton, Essex.