Bulletproof vest found in home of INLA accused, court hears

A bulletproof army vest was among the items found by gardaí during a search on the home of a Louth man accused of INLA membership, the Special Criminal Court has heard today.

Anthony Lee (aged 33) of Carnbeg, Doylesfort Road, Dundalk has pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Lee was one of two men arrested when the car in which he was a passenger tried to drive through a garda roadblock in the town on December 20, 2007.

Detective Garda Joe O’Flanagan, Dundalk garda station, told the court that during a search carried out the following day, a green sleeveless flak jacket with “Corporal McEvoy A” on it, was found under the accused’s bed. A steel metal plate had been inserted into its front pouch.

The court was also shown pieces of official garda uniform, two cream bulletproof vests and two black bomber jackets with an assault rifle logo and “Republican Socialist Movement Dundalk” on the back, which were contained in two bags found in the boot of the car.

An extendable baton, found in the driver’s side of the car, was also displayed to the court.

The trial continues on Tuesday next.