Evidence delay for man accused of terrorist activity, Garda stabbing, and McGregor pub fire

Tom Tuite

A man accused of stabbing a Garda, arson of Conor McGregor’s Black Forge Inn, and terrorist activity in Dublin has been further held for prosecutors to complete a book of evidence for his trial.

Abdullah Khan, 23, appeared again at Cloverhill District Court on Wednesday for his tenth hearing since being charged on July 31st and has not yet applied for bail.

He was remanded in continuing custody to appear again next Wednesday.

Mr Khan, who has an address in north Dublin that cannot be reported due to a court order, was arrested at the scene following an incident at around 6pm on Capel Street, on the city's northside, on July 29th.

He is charged with assault causing serious harm to the officer under Section 4 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, and the production of a Tactix knife capable of causing serious injury.

The injured garda, a young probationary member of the force who was on high-visibility patrol with a colleague, received hospital treatment.

Mr Khan is also accused of endangerment of life and attempted assault of a second garda during the same incident.

He is also charged with three other offences, including criminal damage related to a fire at the MMA star’s Black Forge Inn, Drimnagh Road, Walkinstown, Dublin 12, which allegedly happened on July 25th, four days before the Capel Street incident.

The other two were under section 6 of the Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences Act), 2005, for engaging in terrorist activity or terrorist linked activity, during the alleged arson on July 25th and the knife attack four days later.

The Director of Public Prosecutions has directed that Mr Khan be tried in the non-jury Special Criminal Court, which is reserved for terrorism or organised crime-related offences.

Three weeks ago, Judge Mitchell heard that the State had almost completed the book of evidence, except for a forensic statement, described as of fundamental importance.

Defence solicitor Matthew de Courcy has stressed his client had the presumption of innocence and was entitled to an expeditious process.

The court heard that the accused, who has yet to indicate a plea, has perfect English. During his hearings, he has spoken only to confirm his name or to confirm instructions to his solicitor.

Reporting restrictions on Mr Khan's address have been continued for public safety reasons.