Dublin man to go on trial next year for IRA membership

A Dublin man charged with membership of the IRA will stand trial at the Special Criminal Court in May next year.

John Daly (aged 47) of Dunsink Gardens, Finglas, is charged with membership of an unlawful organisation within the State, namely the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the IRA on January 3, 2012.

His trial was due to begin last week at the non-jury court but was postponed after “extensive” additional evidence emerged in the case.

Counsel for the accused man, Mr Michael Bowman BL, this morning asked that a trial date be set for May 1, 2013.

Presiding judge Mr Justice Paul Butler said the court would fix that date for the trial, which is expected to last seven days, but would also list the matter for mention on April 10 next to ensure the court is ready to proceed.

Mr Justice Butler told Mr Daly that if he intended to rely on the defence of alibi he must notify the prosecution within 14 days and furnish the relevant names and addresses.

He said Mr Daly should not, without leave of court, call anybody to give evidence on his behalf unless 21 days before the day of the trial he gives notice of his intention to do so.

Mr Justice Butler, sitting with Judge Margaret Heneghan and Judge William Hamill, remanded the accused man on continuing bail to appear before the court on April 10, 2013.