'Real IRA' arms trial adjourned

Alleged republican dissident Michael Campbell appeared in court today in Lithuania charged with attempting to purchase weapons for the Real IRA.

Campbell, 37, from County Louth in the Republic of Ireland, was arrested in January 2008 in an undercover operation after allegedly trying to buy weapons from an intelligence officer posing as an international arms dealer.

Prosecutors claim he paid €10,300 for a haul of weapons including a sniper rifle, detonators, timers and 22lb of high explosive.

But the deal was part of a sting operation involving Irish, British and Lithuanian intelligence agencies.

Campbell was charged with possession and attempted smuggling of illegal weapons and supporting a terrorist organisation.

He could face 20 years in jail if convicted.

His brother, Liam, was one of four men held responsible for the 1998 Omagh bombing after a landmark civil action.

The hearing today in the capital Vilnius was adjourned and a new hearing was scheduled for September 24.