A man allegedly arrested with a washing power box containing nearly €100,000 in the back of his car today went on trial accused of membership of the IRA.
Don Bullman (32) a chef from Fernwood Crescent, Leghanamore, Wilton, Co Cork, denies the charge of IRA membership.
He was arrested on February 16th, 2005 along with two other men at Heuston Station in Dublin in an operation by the Special Detective Unit. Gardaí allegedly found three bundles of cash totaling €94,254 stashed in a Daz washing powder box on the back seat of his SUV.
The three-judge panel at the non-jury Special Criminal Court today heard mobile phone records are to be used in evidence during the trial. It was also told Assistant Garda Commissioner Ray McAndrew is to testify.
Prosecuting barrister George Birmingham SC told the court detectives will testify Mr Bullman was observed outside the railway station with a small blue rucksack, which was later recovered from the SUV containing the washing powder box. There will also be evidence submitted that Mr Bullman's fingerprints were on a plastic bag covering the box.
A follow-up search of the accused's home turned up an investment bond for €50,000 in Mr Bullman's name and a sweet tin with several hundred pounds in cash.
Gardaí also recovered a bundle of documents, wrapped up in a ribbon, with the slogan "Tiocfaidh Ár Lá" written across it.
Mr Birmingham said the court will hear Mr Bullman could not remember meeting another named individual at a pub car park in Douglas, Cork, two days before his arrest. Detectives will testify that this individual was observed under surveillance getting into Mr Bullman's car and having a conversation with him. A follow-up search turned up €60,000 at this man's house.
Prosecution also said it will present evidence to counter Mr Bullman's denials during interrogation that he associated with a number of other people convicted of IRA membership.