Garda 'believed' man was IRA member
A Garda chief supt told the Special Criminal Court today that he believed a Dundalk father of one was a member of the IRA in October 2004.
Chief Supt Patrick Mc Gee said he believed Seamus Mc Mahon (aged 38) was a member in the date in question.
Cross-examined by defence counsel Mr Anthony Sammon SC he said his belief was based upon confidential information and knowledge of Mr McMahon.
He said his belief was not based upon any other evidence brought before the court.
Chief Supt McGee claimed privilege when questioned about the sources of his belief.
Seamus McMahon, of Ashbrook, Dundalk, has pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the IRA on October 7, 2004.
Gardaí stopped the car in which Mr McMahon was travelling with his wife and young son at a roundabout on the M1 outside Dundalk and found ten 9 mm bullets wrapped in socks in the driver's door pocket.
The trial presiding at the three-judge court continues tomorrow.
