Menu
27/04/2004
Colombia three cleared of Farc connected charges
The three Irishmen accused of training left-wing guerrillas in Colombia have been cleared in court of charges relating to the training of Farc guerillas.
However, the men, James Monaghan, Niall Connolly and Martin McAuley, all sentenced on false passports charges, look likely to be held in jail in Bogota pending the outcome of a prosecution appeal.
On the secondary charges, Monaghan received 44 months, McAuley received 36 months and Connolly received 26 months.
The three men were arrested in August 2001 as they stepped off a plane from an area which was a stronghold of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc).
Local authorities had claimed the men were training left-wing Farc rebels in the use of explosives and were using false documentation.
During the legal proceedings the men had refused to appear before a Colombian court because they claimed they would not receive a fair trial and that they feared for their safety.
However, last July, in their first and last court appearance, they denied all charges against them.
(MB)
However, the men, James Monaghan, Niall Connolly and Martin McAuley, all sentenced on false passports charges, look likely to be held in jail in Bogota pending the outcome of a prosecution appeal.
On the secondary charges, Monaghan received 44 months, McAuley received 36 months and Connolly received 26 months.
The three men were arrested in August 2001 as they stepped off a plane from an area which was a stronghold of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc).
Local authorities had claimed the men were training left-wing Farc rebels in the use of explosives and were using false documentation.
During the legal proceedings the men had refused to appear before a Colombian court because they claimed they would not receive a fair trial and that they feared for their safety.
However, last July, in their first and last court appearance, they denied all charges against them.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
17 April 2024
PSNI Recognised For Training Related To Domestic Abuse
The PSNI have been recognised for their efforts in training staff to better recognise and respond to incidents of domestic abuse. The Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJINI) have published a report on the effectiveness of part one of the PSNI's Domestic Abuse and Civil Proceedings Act (NI) 2021.
PSNI Recognised For Training Related To Domestic Abuse
The PSNI have been recognised for their efforts in training staff to better recognise and respond to incidents of domestic abuse. The Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJINI) have published a report on the effectiveness of part one of the PSNI's Domestic Abuse and Civil Proceedings Act (NI) 2021.
31 July 2003
Colombia three trial enters final stages
The trial of the three Irish men facing charges of training left-wing guerrillas in Colombia is entering its final stages as the lawyers for the defence make their final statements this week. The three men facing charges relating to the training of left-wing FARC guerrillas made their first appearance in court in Bogota yesterday.
Colombia three trial enters final stages
The trial of the three Irish men facing charges of training left-wing guerrillas in Colombia is entering its final stages as the lawyers for the defence make their final statements this week. The three men facing charges relating to the training of left-wing FARC guerrillas made their first appearance in court in Bogota yesterday.
18 June 2003
Colombia trial adjourned as evidence rejected
The trial of the three men accused of training FARC guerrillas in Colombia has been adjourned. Judge Jairo Acosta refused to admit documentary evidence that the defence claim is crucial to the case as he adjourned the trail of the three Irishmen until July 28.
Colombia trial adjourned as evidence rejected
The trial of the three men accused of training FARC guerrillas in Colombia has been adjourned. Judge Jairo Acosta refused to admit documentary evidence that the defence claim is crucial to the case as he adjourned the trail of the three Irishmen until July 28.
14 March 2024
Two Men Jailed For 'Horrific And Callous' Murder Of Roy Reynolds
Two men have been jailed at Belfast Crown Court in connection with the "horrific and callous" murder of Roy Reynolds in County Antrim in 2022. Michael Campbell, 34, was handed a life sentence last December after pleading guilty to Mr Reynold's murder.
Two Men Jailed For 'Horrific And Callous' Murder Of Roy Reynolds
Two men have been jailed at Belfast Crown Court in connection with the "horrific and callous" murder of Roy Reynolds in County Antrim in 2022. Michael Campbell, 34, was handed a life sentence last December after pleading guilty to Mr Reynold's murder.
01 February 2024
Men Sentenced For Ballymena Drug And Money Laundering Operation
Three men were sentenced for offences linked to a drugs and money laundering operation in the Ballymena area yesterday, 31 January. At Antrim Crown Court, Troy Carley (27), Neil Lowry (30) and Marc Mitchell (32) were sentenced for a number of offences.
Men Sentenced For Ballymena Drug And Money Laundering Operation
Three men were sentenced for offences linked to a drugs and money laundering operation in the Ballymena area yesterday, 31 January. At Antrim Crown Court, Troy Carley (27), Neil Lowry (30) and Marc Mitchell (32) were sentenced for a number of offences.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A few fog patches at first, soon clearing to leave a dry day with some patchy cloud and good sunny spells. Light and variable winds. Feeling mild in sunny spells. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:Dry and quite chilly overnight under prolonged clear spells and light winds. This will allow a few fog patches to develop in places. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
