A hidden makeshift camp camouflaged in dense woodland was discovered where supermarket boss Don Tidey was held captive, a court heard today.
Detectives investigating the kidnapping of Mr Tidey in 1983 found an improvised tunnel shaped tent cut in to the natural undergrowth in a secluded Co Leitrim wood, the trial of Brendan ‘Bik’ McFarlane heard.
Retired Detective Sergeant Patrick Ennis said a hand grenade, rifle, ammunition, handcuffs, a chain, five sleeping bags, and cooking utensils were seized at the scene.
Mr Tidey was kidnapped outside his home in Dublin on November 24th 1983 and held captive for more than three weeks before being rescued following a shootout in which a trainee garda and a Army private were killed.
Mr McFarlane (56), has pleaded not guilty to three charges linked with the abduction of the Quinnsworth executive.
Det Sgt Ennis told the Special Criminal Court when he carried out a search of the woodland he saw the bodies of the trainee garda and the Army private. Opposite from where they lay was a footpath cut in to dense foliage which led to the makeshift camp camouflaged in natural growth, he said.
“In this was an improvised tent cut in to the shape of a tunnel,” he said.
It measured 14ft 8ins long by 5ft 7ins wide, was a maximum of 2ft 8ins high in parts, and had its interior sheeted with black plastic bags and straw.
Other exhibits found by officers located in the woodland and a nearby field included a number a automatic rifles, magazines, cartridges, and items of clothing.
The trial continues.