Legal argument continued today in the Central Criminal Court trial of a man accused of murdering a Belfast man associated with the INLA at an industrial estate in Dublin in 1999.
Daniel Finnegan (20) of Rutland Avenue, Crumlin, Dublin, denies that on or about October 10th, 1999, in Dublin, he murdered Mr Patrick Campbell (22), of Corduff Park, Blanchardstown, Dublin.
Finnegan also pleaded not guilty to a second charge that on or about the same date he was engaged in a violent disorder.
Previously the court heard that "bad blood or ill will" existed between two groups in Dublin culminating in the fracas which led to Mr Campbell's death.
In his opening address to the jury, Mr George Birmingham SC said that Mr Campbell was a native of Belfast living for some time in Dublin and was "apparently associated with the INLA."
On the October 6th 1999, up to six people arrived at a unit in the Ballymount Industrial Estate in Dublin seeking compensation of £600 from members of one group, the Creed family and their associates, for a van set alight in a previous incident, the court heard.
"Mr Creed anticipated something of this nature would happen and made contact with the INLA.As a result of this, six people associated with the INLA came to the Ballymount Windows (at the Industrial Estate) on the October 6th and hid themselves in the premises keeping out of sight," he said.
Members of the second group, the O'Keefe family and associates, arrived "and when they did the men associated with the INLA came out of hiding. The group came prepared, as some had taken alongknuckle-dusters, knives, etc. but they were no match for the INLA and they succeeded in subduing them," the court was told.
"Mr O'Keefe's people didn't return and he sent another group of associates to respond," and a "serious melee between the INLA group and the second group" broke out, in the course of which Patrick Campbell received very serious injuries, from which he died the court was told.
"Although there were a number of people involved in the melee," it is the State's case that the accused took a "full and active part in the very serious assault, which led to the death of Mr Campbell," Mr Birmingham said.
Legal argument continued throughout the day and the trial before Mr Justice Diarmuid O'Donovan and a jury of eight women and four men is expected to resume tomorrow.