1 Dec 2012

Four remanded in Dublin in weapons-related case

Four people are to appear for a bail hearing in Dublin’s special criminal court next week on weapons-related charges.

Ireland weapons ammunition guns Dublin special court

Trinity College graduate Ursula Shannon initially appeared in court on Thursday along with Colin Brady, John Troy and John McGreal on charges involving possession of two handguns and 32 rounds of ammunition.

Mr McGreal and Mr Troy have an additional charge of membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hÉireann. All four were remanded in custody, with permission to apply for bail, and will appear again in court next week.

The four made their appearance at Dublin’s special criminal court, a juryless court established to hear cases believed to be related to terrorism or organised crime. The court heard that all four stayed silent when the charges were put to them.

Detectives told the court Ms Shannon and Mr McGreal’s arrests took place in County Offaly while Mr Troy and Mr Brady were arrested in Mullingar.

Arrest condemned

Separately, Sinn Féin splinter group Éirígí, a legitimate political grouping, condemned the arrest of their leader Brian Leeson, who was taken from his home on Tuesday night and released a day later without charge.

The party’s general secretary said: “Neither the party nor Brian’s family are aware of any reason why the gardaí should have chosen either to arrest or to continue to detain him.”

Irish police said they would not comment on individual cases.