A Dublin man dramatically changed his plea and admitted membership of an illegal organisation during the fourth day of his trial at the Special Criminal Court yesterday.
Mr William Clare (35), of Adare Park, Coolock, pleaded guilty to membership of an illegal organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hÉireann, otherwise the IRA on July 29th last year. Mr Clare had denied the charge. He was remanded in custody by Mr Justice Joseph Finnegan until the end of the trial of a second man, Mr Martin Kelly.
Mr Kelly (47), a former corporal in the Defence Forces, of Westpark, Artane, Dublin, is also on trial and stands accused of membership of an illegal organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army. He denies the charge, and his trial continues under tight security at the Special Criminal Court.
The two men had their bail revoked by Mr Justice Finnegan on Tuesday, after it was revealed that they had threatened and intimidated a key witness since the start of the trial last week. Director of security firm Protocol Contract Services and former colleague of the two men Mr Patrick Byrne broke down in the witness box under cross-examination on Tuesday afternoon. He told the court he lived in fear of his life after several intimidating phone calls and threats were made to him.
The court heard that Mr Byrne was admitted to hospital after his court appearance and was still being treated in hospital yesterday.
Prosecuting counsel Mr George Birmingham SC told the court he did not expect Mr Byrne to give evidence before midday today at the earliest, and that it may even be tomorrow before he returns to the witness box.