Four men sent for trial under new anti-gang laws

Four Dublin men, who are the first to be charged under new anti-gang legislation, have been sent forward for trial.

David Atkinson (aged 41), Gerard Carey, (aged 33), Dwane Stacey, (aged 22), all from Windmill Park, Crumlin and Philip Kerfoot (aged 38) from Captains Road, Crumlin have been charged in the district court with participating in the activities of a criminal gang that they knew existed.

Mr Stacey and Mr Kerfoot were also charged with conspiracy to rob Drumcondra Post Office on October 16, 2009.

The men are charged with participation in a criminal gang - the first such prosecution since the introduction of new laws in 2009.

Their trial is expected to take six weeks.