Man charged with extortion is remanded in custody

A Dublin man charged with IRA membership and extortion has been remanded in custody by the Special Criminal Court as the DPP has still not given its directions.

David Dodrill (aged 30) of Plunkett Avenue, Finglas is charged with demanding that Giulio Patriarca pay €5,000 or have his legs broken, at the Lidl supermarket car park at North Road, Finglas on July 13.

He is also charged with membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Óglaigh na hÉireann, otherwise the IRA on the same date.

State Solicitor Michael O’Donovan today told Mr Justice Paul Butler, presiding with Judge Alison Lindsay and Judge Cormac Dunne that he was still awaiting directions from the DPP on the matter.

“I’d ask for more time Judge to see what the situation is,” he said, indicating that other charges might be considered. He suggested a remand for a week.

Mr Justice Paul Butler said that sounded reasonable but the court would have to be told then when the book of evidence would be produced.

“It can’t be open-ended,” he said, noting that Mr Dodrill was in custody, appealing a bail refusal.

The court remanded him in custody until December 16.