Man accused of INLA membership 'seen with criminals', court hears
A Dundalk man accused of INLA membership was seen by gardaí on numerous occasions in the company of men convicted of firearms and other offences, the Special Criminal Court was told today.
Detective Sergeant Anthony Hearty said that Anthony Lee replied: "Nothing to say" when it was put to him that he was an INLA member and this explained his association with these people.
Anthony Lee (aged 33), Carnbeg, Doylesfort Road has pleaded not guilty to membership of the INLA on December 20, 2007.
The court has heard that Lee was arrested after detectives stopped the car in which he was a passenger and recovered garda uniforms, two bulletproof vests and two black bomber jackets with an AK47 rifle logo and "Republican Socialist Movement Dundalk'' on the back from the car boot.
Det Sgt Hearty said that during an interview with Lee at Coolock garda station on December 22, 2007, Lee replied: "Nothing to say" when questions were put to him about his association with people convicted of serious offences by the Special Criminal Court.
Several of the men he was seen with had convictions for possession of firearms at different dates between 1994 and 2003.
Lee also replied: "Nothing to say" when questioned about a stolen motorbike, stolen Audi car and stolen garda uniforms which gardaí believed were to be used in INLA operations.
When gardaí put it to him that he was "a committed and dedicated member of the INLA" , Lee again replied: "Nothing to say."
The court has heard that during seven interviews with detectives after his arrest in Dundalk Lee made no reply or said: "Nothing to say" when questioned about the INLA.
The trial is continuing.
