Fingerprint experts made additional marks on a note seized by gardaí during a raid on a suspected Continuity IRA meeting in Limerick, a garda told the Special Criminal Court in Dublin yesterday .
The note, containing references to firearms, "knee cap job" and "a safe house", was analysed by fingerprint experts who made certain additional marks, the court heard.
Det Sgt Mulcahy, of Henry Street, Limerick, was giving evidence in the trial of seven men arrested when gardaí raided a house in the Shanabooley Road area in December 2001.
Cross-examined by Mr Louis O'Brien SC, defending, Det Sgt Mulcahy said gardaí were informed prior to the raid that there was a meeting at the house and there was a possibility that those present would be armed.
Mr O'Brien put it to the witness if he accepted that this information "was false" as no guns were found. "The information received by my superior officers was correct," he replied. "I also accept we did not find any firearms at that house."
Chief Supt Gerard Kelly said he believed each of the seven was a member of an unlawful organisation, the Continuity IRA, on December 17th, 2001.
The seven who have pleaded not guilty are Mr Des Long (62), Shannon Banks, Limerick; Mr Patrick Kenneally (58), Crusheen, Co Clare: Mr Patrick O'Shea (54), Sir Harry's Mall, Limerick; Mr Gerard Brommell (43), Rostura Crescent, Woodview Park, Limerick; Mr Robert McNamara (59), St Michael's Avenue, Tipperary; Mr Joseph Lynch (61), Beechgrove Avenue, Ballinacurra Weston, Limerick; and Mr Christopher Dunne (28), Donnellan Buildings, Rosbrien, Limerick.
The trial continues.