Alleged "Real IRA" member Liam Campbell has failed to in his bid to secure bail pending his re-trial on a charge of IRA membership and a second trial on a separate, unrelated membership charge.
Liam Campbell (41) a farmer from Upper Faughart, Dundalk, Co Louth was jailed for five years by the Special Criminal Court in October 2001 after being convicted of membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the IRA, otherwise Óglaigh na hÉireann in October 2000.
Last month the Court of Criminal Appeal quashed his conviction and ordered a re-trial, which has been set for May.
In July, Campbell is due to stand trial on another charge of membership of an unlawful organisation arising from an incident at the Neptune Beach Hotel, Bettystown in July 2001.
During a bail hearing in the Special Criminal Court today Mr Michael O'Higgins SC for Liam Campell submitted that his client has spent a total of 33 months in prison - the equivalent of a four year sentence.
Counsel also disputed the State's opposition to bail on grounds that Campbell might commit future crimes, specifically firearms and explosive offences, for which he had never been charged.
Mr Justice Paul Butler, presiding, said the court was refusing bail "with some regret" but it was not satisfied that Liam Campbell would abide by any conditions set down. He said while the court was "impressed by the argument" about the length of time already served, it had to have regard to the second charge which has the potential to result in a "greater sentence".
A re-trial was set for May 18th ahead of the second trial which is scheduled for July.