Dublin man changes IRA membership plea
A Dublin man dramatically changed his plea and admitted membership of an illegal organisation during the fourth day of his trial at the Special Criminal Court today.
Mr William Clare (aged 35) of Adare Park, Coolock, pleaded guilty to membership of an illegal organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the IRA on July 29 last year. Mr Clare had denied the charge. He was remanded in custody by Mr Justice Joseph Finnegan until the end of the trial of a second man, Mr Martin Kelly.
Mr Kelly (aged 47), a former corporal in the Defence Forces, of Westpark, Artane, Dublin, is also on trial and stands accused of membership of an illegal organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army.
He denies the charge and his trial continues under tight security at the Special Criminal Court.
The two men had their bail revoked by Mr Justice Finnegan yesterday after it was revealed that they had threatened and intimidated a key witness since the start of the trial last week.
Director of security firm Protocol Contract Services, and former colleague of the two men, Mr Patrick Byrne, broke down in the witness box under cross-examination yesterday afternoon and told the court he lived in fear of his life after several intimidating phone calls and threats were made to him.
The court heard that Mr Byrne was admitted to hospital last night and was still being treated in hospital today. Prosecuting counsel Mr George Birmingham SC told the court he did not expect Mr Byrne to give evidence before midday tomorrow at the earliest and it may even be Friday before he returns to the witness box.
Detective Sergeant Donal Prenty told the court in his evidence today that Mr Kelly repeatedly denied membership of an illegal organisation during questioning at Store Street garda station in July 2002. He confirmed that when asked if he was a member of an illegal organisation, Mr Kelly replied “I’m not a member of any organisation, will somebody listen to me?”. “I never have been, and I’ve no intention in the future. I’m a member of the Irish Defence Forces, that’s all. I stand by the peace process” added Mr Kelly to Det. Prenty.
Also giving evidence was Detective Garda Finbarr Hayes, who also interviewed Mr Kelly last year.
He confirmed that when he asked Mr Kelly what he did with the money he collected from all the pubs and clubs in Dublin and if he kept the profits for himself, Mr Kelly replied that he had “nothing to say”.
When asked by Det Hayes if he extorted money from any other organisations, Mr Kelly again repeated that he had “nothing to say”.
The court heard Mr Kelly told detectives Dublin businessman Mr David Mooney “never gave me money” and that he had “no connections with the IRA”. Mr Mooney has told the court that Clare demanded €50,000 for the Continuity IRA to allow his lap dancing club to open in Temple Bar.
Mr Mooney, who is in the Witness Protection programme, also said that he handed over a total of €15,000 to Clare and Kelly before leaving the lap dancing club, "Bunnies", and entering the Witness Protection Programme.
The trial continues before Justice Finnegan tomorrow.
