Menu
26/06/2008
Ex-IRA Chief's Trial Collapses After Ruling
The trial of a former IRA chief, Brendan 'Bic' McFarlane, on kidnap charges has collapsed since the Special Criminal Court ruled incriminating statements he allegedly made cannot be used in evidence.
McFarlane was accused of involvement in the violent abduction of supermarket boss Don Tidey in 1983, who was kidnapped outside his home in Dublin and then held captive for over three weeks in a wooded hideaway.
McFarlane, 56, from west Belfast, who led the mass escape from the Maze Prison weeks before the kidnap - and was known as 'Bic' in prison on account of his copious note-taking (using a Bic ballpoint pen) - walked free from Dublin's Special Criminal Court after the prosecution was forced to drop the case.
Counsel for the Director of Public Prosecutions told the court the state was not entering any further evidence.
McFarlane had a previous trial in 1998 dropped due to the loss of a number of exhibits containing fingerprints by garda, which were central to the case, but the Irish Supreme Court ruled in March 2006 that the trial could proceed.
Another attempt to overturn the ruling was made on the grounds that McFarlane could not get a fair trial due to "systematic delays in bringing the prosecution", however, the trail finally got underway despite further delays on June 11 of this year and has now officially collapsed.
(DW)
McFarlane was accused of involvement in the violent abduction of supermarket boss Don Tidey in 1983, who was kidnapped outside his home in Dublin and then held captive for over three weeks in a wooded hideaway.
McFarlane, 56, from west Belfast, who led the mass escape from the Maze Prison weeks before the kidnap - and was known as 'Bic' in prison on account of his copious note-taking (using a Bic ballpoint pen) - walked free from Dublin's Special Criminal Court after the prosecution was forced to drop the case.
Counsel for the Director of Public Prosecutions told the court the state was not entering any further evidence.
McFarlane had a previous trial in 1998 dropped due to the loss of a number of exhibits containing fingerprints by garda, which were central to the case, but the Irish Supreme Court ruled in March 2006 that the trial could proceed.
Another attempt to overturn the ruling was made on the grounds that McFarlane could not get a fair trial due to "systematic delays in bringing the prosecution", however, the trail finally got underway despite further delays on June 11 of this year and has now officially collapsed.
(DW)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
07 March 2006
McFarlane to face trial over 1983 kidnapping
A Belfast man charged with the kidnapping of businessman Don Tidy in 1983 is to face trial following an appeal ruling made today by Ireland's Supreme Court. Brendan McFarlane from Jamaica Street in north Belfast was among 38 prisoners who escaped from the Maze Prison in September 1983.
McFarlane to face trial over 1983 kidnapping
A Belfast man charged with the kidnapping of businessman Don Tidy in 1983 is to face trial following an appeal ruling made today by Ireland's Supreme Court. Brendan McFarlane from Jamaica Street in north Belfast was among 38 prisoners who escaped from the Maze Prison in September 1983.
22 June 2012
Brothers Win Trial Appeal Over Missing Millions
Two brothers whose building empire collapsed in the financial crash have won the right to a full trial appeal over millions of pounds Ulster Bank is trying to claim from them. Michael and John Taggart borrowed the sums for Taggart Holdings Ltd in Northern Ireland and Taggart Homes Ireland Ltd in the Republic.
Brothers Win Trial Appeal Over Missing Millions
Two brothers whose building empire collapsed in the financial crash have won the right to a full trial appeal over millions of pounds Ulster Bank is trying to claim from them. Michael and John Taggart borrowed the sums for Taggart Holdings Ltd in Northern Ireland and Taggart Homes Ireland Ltd in the Republic.
10 September 2010
IRA Boss Wins Damages
An IRA jail 'commander' who was in charge when 38 inmates staged a mass breakout from the former Maze prison has been awarded substantial damages over his prosecution for the kidnap of supermarket boss Don Tidey.
IRA Boss Wins Damages
An IRA jail 'commander' who was in charge when 38 inmates staged a mass breakout from the former Maze prison has been awarded substantial damages over his prosecution for the kidnap of supermarket boss Don Tidey.
03 December 2008
Jail Term For Bizarre High Speed Drive Attack
A Newtownabbey man was last night beginning a jail sentence for a bizarre attack on a former girlfriend. During the trial of Stephen McFarlane, 26, from Glenabbey Crescent, the court heard how he had throttled his ex-partner until she passed out.
Jail Term For Bizarre High Speed Drive Attack
A Newtownabbey man was last night beginning a jail sentence for a bizarre attack on a former girlfriend. During the trial of Stephen McFarlane, 26, from Glenabbey Crescent, the court heard how he had throttled his ex-partner until she passed out.
15 September 2023
Appeal For Help To Trace 30-Year-Old Man Unlawfully At Large
The PSNI have issued an appeal for help in tracing the whereabouts of 30-year-old Ray Lee, who is currently unlawfully at large. Lee was being held on remand at HMP Maghaberry pending a crown court trial on a number of fraud offences.
Appeal For Help To Trace 30-Year-Old Man Unlawfully At Large
The PSNI have issued an appeal for help in tracing the whereabouts of 30-year-old Ray Lee, who is currently unlawfully at large. Lee was being held on remand at HMP Maghaberry pending a crown court trial on a number of fraud offences.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
