Andrew Carey
TWO Limerick men charged with the alleged membership of an illegal organisation, namely the IRA, have had their trial halted at the Special Criminal Court amid the latest development in the Garda phone recording saga.
Following an application for disclosure made before the three judge non jury court, the trial of Thomas McMahon, 32, with an address at Ros Fearna, Murroe and Noel Noonan, 35, of North Claughaun Road, Garryowen was halted as evidence was due outlining that both are alleged members of the IRA,
On February 7, 2013, both men were arrested in County Tipperary during an operation where Gardai were investigating dissident republicans.
The legal teams for both accused men asked the court for disclosure from An Garda Siochana as to whether or not conversations their clients had with lawyers were recorded.
Defence counsels, Isobel Kennedy SC and Anthony Sammon SC, outlined that the accused men had phone conversations with solicitors before garda interviews.
Tara Burns SC, prosecution counsel for the State said that Gardai knew nothing, at the time, about what has since emerged.
The matter was adjourned until later this week for clarification on whether or not recordings were made.
