IRA man's conviction appeal is dismissed

A 57-year-old mechanic from Castleblayney, County Monaghan, has had his conviction appeal dismissed by the Court of Appeal. The man was convicted in March 2019 by the Special Criminal Court of membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army. The conviction followed the discovery of a metal pipe with drilled holes, described as a "booster tube," in a shed on his land in September 2016. Members of the Special Detective Unit located the device during a search. A Chief Superintendent's evidence of belief regarding the man's membership, supported by analysis of a USB device and mobile phones, was deemed particularly cogent by the trial court. The Court of Appeal rejected all ten grounds of appeal, finding the trial court had exercised scrupulous care in ensuring a fair hearing and had properly assessed the evidence. The appellate court addressed claims of potential bias and double counting of evidence, concluding neither issue was established. The man was sentenced to four years' imprisonment.