Pair accused of directing criminal organisation

Conversations recorded using audio devices placed inside cars will be used to prove that two Galway men are guilty of directing a criminal organisation, a court has heard today.

Michael O’Loughlin (aged 31) of Rahylin Glebe, Ballybane and Edward O’Loughlin (aged 28) of Rockfield Park, Rahoon, have both pleaded not guilty to directing the activities of a criminal organisation in the Galway area between February 10 and June 1, 2010.

Opening the trial for the prosecution at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Dominic McGinn SC said that the jury will hear recordings of conversations of the two men which the State claim would link them to the organisation of criminal activities.

He said that in February 2010 gardaí began recording conversations in the Toyota Avensis used by Edward O’Loughlin and on May 14, 2010 they began listening into a car registered to the partner of Michael O’Loughlin.

Mr McGinn said that the gardaí would give evidence of routine traffic stops and other surveillance carried out by them which they say confirms that the voices heard on the recordings are that of the two accused.

It is the State’s case that the conversations link the men to a number of specific offences, including burglaries and the seizure of controlled drugs.

Counsel said gardaí believed that the accused men were instrumental in making these offenses happen and the pair were arrested on June 1, 2010.

Mr McGinn said the State will prove that a criminal organisation was in place and that the two accused were directing it and giving orders.

He said that the law defined a criminal organisation as a “structured group, however organised, that has as its main purpose or activity the commission or facilitation of a serious offence” and that directing a criminal organisation is defined as “controlling or supervising the activities or giving an order, instruction or guidance, or makes a request, with respect to the carrying on of the activities”.

The trial, which is set to last three months, continues before Judge Patrick McCartan and a jury of eight men and four women.