Bail money forfeited for IRA accused

The Special Criminal Court has ordered the forfeiture of €20,000 offered as an independent surety for the bail of a man charged with IRA membership and firearms offences.

Eamon Lennon (aged 35), of Iniskeen, Co Monaghan was charged with the possession of a firearm and membership of an unlawful organisation within the State, namely the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Óglaigh na hÉireann, otherwise the IRA on August 8, 2010.

He was granted bail a week later on an independent surety of €20,000 and on a number of strict bail conditions, one of which stipulated that he not leave the jurisdiction for the duration of his bail.

The court heard this morning that a bench warrant was issued for Lennon in December 2010 after he was arrested in the North and consequently failed to appear before a scheduled court sitting in Dublin.

Ms Tara Burns BL, for the State, told the non-jury court that the independent surety had been offered by Ms Julia Gonnally of Dundalk, Co Louth, who had been notified of the dangers should Lennon fail to keep the conditions of his bond.

Mr Justice Garret Sheehan, presiding, said the court was satisfied that a case had been made to surrender the surety and ordered that the €20,000 be forfeited to the State.