Man (44) to face IRA membership trial

In December Vincent Banks of Smithfield gate Apartments, Smithfield, Dublin was charged with IRA membership.

He was also charged with withholding information in relation to the murder of David Black on dates between Octover 10 and December 20.

The charges were made at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin.

Counsel for the accused told the non-jury court that the defence anticipated the trial would last four weeks and was seeking a date in February next year.

Presiding judge Mr Justice Paul Butler said the court would fix a trial for February 25 2014.

Father of two David Black (52) who worked at the high-security Maghabery prison in Co Antrim was shot dead as he drove to work on the M1 near Lurgan on November 1 last year.

Dissident republicans claimed responsibility.