The IRA placed a law graduate in the Holywood area of Co Down with the specific task of targeting judges and gathering information about the movement of British soldiers, it was alleged in the High Court in Belfast yesterday.
The claim was made by a Crown lawyer opposing a bail application by Mr John Tumelty (34), a native of west Belfast who graduated in 1993 from University College, Dublin.
Mr Tumelty, whose address was given as Strathearn Court, Holywood, has been in custody since last year on charges of IRA membership and possessing information about members of the judiciary, security forces, a police officer and a senior member of the Bar.
Mr Justice Coghlin was told that after Mr Tumelty's arrest last November his family home was searched and a large number of documents were found in the base of an armchair.
"They contained hand-written notes by the accused which proved his involvement in the IRA and his role as an intelligence officer in the Holywood area", counsel said.
"There were comprehensive records reflecting his activities and a diary of his contacts and his plans.
"He is considered by police to be a high-ranking member of the Provisional IRA."
Mr Tumelty's solicitor, Mr Barra McGrory, said that the thrust of the application was the delay in committal proceedings.
"It is almost a year since his arrest and the Crown are unable to say when a preliminary inquiry will be held", he said.
"This is a most unsatisfactory position for a person on remand to be in a year after his arrest."
Mr Justice Coghlin said he accepted that there were a great number of documents to be examined, but the process was taking too long.
"I will adjourn this application until November 21st, when I will expect the DPP to give a clear and precise account of how the case stands and an indication of when a preliminary inquiry can be arranged", the judge said.