Three to face trial on IRA-linked charges
Three men accused of IRA-linked arms offences will go on trial at the Old Bailey in April, it was decided today.
The Recorder of London Judge Michael Hyam remanded the men in custody at a five-minute hearing.
They will make a further appearance on December 10, when they are expected to enter pleas to six charges before their trial, set down to start on April 9 next year.
Fintan Paul O’Farrell, 35, Declan John Rafferty, 41, and Christopher McDonald, 44, all from County Louth were arrested in a small spa town in Slovakia on July 5 by police investigating Irish dissidents.
The three, who were extradited to Britain, were charged with offences including belonging to the IRA, and conspiring with Michael McKevitt and others to buy weapons for terrorism.
