THE PSNI will not disclose material relating to the murder of prison officer David Black to southern authorities because it could jeopardise the ongoing investigation into the killing, the Special Criminal Court in Dublin has heard.
The court was told that defence lawyers are seeking disclosure of material relating to the PSNI investigation into the dissident murder for the trial of a Dublin man for withholding information which is due to start next week. Vincent Banks (44), of Smithfield Gate Apartments, Smithfield, Dublin 7, is charged with membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army on December 18 2012. he is also charged with withholding information in relation to the murder of Mr Black on November 1 2012.
Mr Banks's lawyer said that the case against him was an allegation that he bought the Toyota car that was used in the killing. he said the charges arise from a joint investigation by the gardai and the PSNI and that nine of the first ten witnesses in the book of evidence are PSNI officers. he said that a number of people were arrested in Northern Ireland by the PSNI and interviewed by them in connection with the murder and the defence had sought disclosure from the gardai of the PSNI material. He said there was a "real and serious risk of an unfair trial" if the case went ahead without the defence being given access to the PSNI material.
Detective Inspector Anthony Lenihan, of the Special Detective Unit, said that the PSNI officer in charge of the investigation had told him it was an ongoing police investigation and it may "jeopardise" the investigation and alert other people that they are the subject of investigation.
Mr Justice Paul Butler, presiding, said that the court had no power to compel disclosure from outside the jurisdiction and the court was satisfied that the prosecution had taken all reasonable steps to provide disclosure to the defence. he said the trial will proceed next Tuesday.
* SHOT DEAD: David Black