Four charged under new anti-gangland legislation
Four Dublin men today became the first to be charged under tough new anti-gangland legislation.
The four, who are all originally from Crumlin, have been charged with organised crime activities in connection with a foiled post office robbery in Drumcondra, in north Dublin, last October.
David Atkinson (aged 41), of Windmill Park, Crumlin, Dwayne Stacey (aged 22) with an address at the South Circular Road, Philip Kerfoot (aged 38), of Ross Road, Dublin 8, and Gerard Carey (aged 33) of Kildare Road, Crumlin, were brought before Dublin District Court today.
Detective Mark O'Riordain and Detective Greg Fleming of National Bureau of Criminal Investigation told Judge Ann Ryan that the four men were arrested in the early hours of this morning.
They were charged under the Criminal Justice Amendment Act 2009 that between July 23 and October 16 last year, knowing of the existence of a criminal organisation did participate in activity with intent to facilitate the commission of a serious offence by that organisation or its members.
All four made a no replies to caution after they were brought to Sundrive Road and Crumlin garda stations.
Mr Stacey and Kerfoot were also charged with conspiracy to commit robbery at Drumcondra Post Office, on October 16 last.
Their co-defendants had been charged earlier with the same offence.
Defence solicitor Darragh Molloy made no application for bail.
Judge Ryan remanded all four in custody to appear again at Cloverhill District Court on May 18 next.
Mr Molloy asked for medical attention to be given to Mr Atkinson and Mr Carey who are on methadone maintenance programmes.
Legal aid was granted to all four men.
The new anti-gangland legislation was introduced in the aftermath of the killing of rugby player Shane Geoghegan and the fatal shooting of Roy Collins at his family's business, both in Limerick. On conviction, it can carry a 15-year sentence.
