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.