First Case Affected By Secret Recording In Garda Stations Revealed

First case affected by secret recording in garda stations revealed

Details have emerged of what appears to be the first court case affected by the garda phone taping revelations. Lawyers for two Limerick men charged with IRA membership are seeking confirmation as to whether telephone calls made by their clients from garda stations were recorded. Thomas McMahon of Ros Fearna, Murroe and his co-accused Noel Noonan with a hostel address at Clare Street were due to stand trial for IRA membership at the Special Criminal Court this morning. But their lawyers said that a matter had arisen 'in light of recent events of which we are all aware' which 'may well have consequences' for the case. The court heard Thomas McMahon had consulted with his solicitor over the phone on the evening of February 7, 2013 and prior to being interviewed and that something similar had happened to his co-accused. The defence want the prosecution to disclose whether the phone conversations were conducted in private before the trial can proceed. Mr Justice Paul Butler has adjourned the case until tomorrow to allow inquiries to be made.