Andrew Carey
THE three judge Special Criminal Court has found a Limerick man not guilty of membership of the IRA after he read out a statement declaring that any Irish man who was member of the British forces was a “legitimate target”.
Michael Kiely (43), of Abbeyvale, Corbally, pleaded not guilty of being a member of an illegal organisation on January 6 last when he appeared before the three judge, non jury, Special Criminal Court three weeks ago.
Prosecution Counsel Shane Costello said the content of a speech made Mr Kiely at the Sean South commemoration in Limerick’s Mount St Lawerence Cemetery made direct threats to Irish citizens who join the British Army.
The court was played an recording of the speech made by Mr Kiely.
At the Sean South commemoration at Mount St Lawrence Cemetery earlier this year Michael Kiely read a statement by CIRA prisoners in Portlaoise Prison, which stated that “the moment you don a British Army uniform, you become a legitimate target for the IRA”.
The oration was given on behalf of the Continuity IRA prisoners in Portlaoise Prison and stated “the moment you don a British army uniform you become a legitimate target for the IRA. We have seen from recent years in the city of Limerick that Irish men are considering a career in the British army, the same British army that hold six of our counties.
“Whether they are motivated by financial reasons or a sense of adventurism, we take this opportunity to say that the moment you don a British uniform, you become a legitimate target for the IRA.”
At the trial, Chief Superintendent Dave Sheahan told the court that it was his belief that Mr Kiely was a member of the CIRA.
Giving evidence during the trial, Mr Kiely said that he did not read the statement prior to delivering the speech. He said that the document was given to him by an unknown person.
Mr Kiely told the three judge court that he not agree with the contents of the statement regarding the threats but added that he was used by others.
Acquitting the 43-year-old of membership of an illegal organisation, presiding judge Mr Justice Paul Butler said that while the non-jury court was “fully satisfied” Michael Kiely had read an “inflammatory statement”, it had some doubt as to whether he was a member of the IRA on the date.
