A Dublin businessman lived through a "nightmare" over the past few months because of intimidation and threats made before and during the trial of two men accused of membership of an illegal organisation, the Special Criminal Court heard yesterday.
Mr Patrick Byrne, director of a security firm, Protocol Contract Services, said he was warned not to mention the IRA in his evidence at the trial of Mr Martin Kelly and William Clare.
Both were on trial for membership of an illegal organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army, when Clare (35) suddenly changed his plea on Wednesday to guilty.
He has been remanded in custody at Portlaoise for sentencing after the trial of Mr Kelly.
Mr Kelly a former Irish soldier, denies membership.
Mr David Mooney had earlier told the court that Clare demanded €50,000 for the Continuity IRA to allow his lap-dancing club to open in the Temple Bar area of Dublin. He handed over €15,000.
The trial continues.