Garda testifies in INLA court hearing

A Tyrone man was arrested in Cork last year by a detective who suspected him of INLA membership, the Special Criminal Court heard today.

Neil Myles (aged 54), of no fixed abode, Edward McGarrigle (aged 43), Melmont Gardens, Strabane, Co Tyrone, and John McCrossan (aged 47), Ballycoleman Estate, Strabane, Co Tyrone have all pleaded not guilty to membership the INLA on February 22 last year.

Detective Garda Jane Heaney told the court that she was in Cork city on that date, having been briefed in relation to an investigation into alleged dissident activities in Cork.

She said that she was with colleagues on the Old Youghal Road and was under instructions to stop a Nissan Primera.

The car passed and was stopped.

Det Gda Heaney said that Mr McCrossan was in the passenger seat and that she arrested him on suspicion of being a member of the INLA.

Det Gda John Forde told the court that he examined the scene at a premises known as Monteville at Lover’s Walk, Montenotte, Cork, after two other men had been arrested there on February 22.

The men arrested were Gareth Dunne (aged 23), of Clonard Rd, Crumlin and Gerard Kelleher (aged 28), Cathedral View Walk, Kevin St, Dublin 8. Both men have admitted membership of the INLA on that date.

Det Gda Forde said that he searched the coalshed of the premises and found three black-handled knives, duct-tape and a bag of cable-ties.

The trial continues.