A Belfast man was formally cleared of terrorist charges by a senior judge on Friday.
Alex McCrory, 61, was acquitted of charges arising from an M15 bugging operation in a park in Lurgan in December 2013 by Mr Justice O’Hara.
Alex McCrory - along with co-accused Colin Duffy and Henry Fitzsimons, 55, - have been at the centre of one of the longest-running terrorist trials which started in March 2019.
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Defence teams for all three launched ‘no case to answer’ applications in a bid to have the charges against the trio thrown out.
Last month Mr Justice O’Hara gave his ruling on the defence applications - and whilst he rejected the bids made on behalf of 55-year old Duffy and Fitzsimons, the Judge acquitted Mr McCrory on all the charges he faced.
Mr McCrory was found ‘not guilty’ on five charges which included preparing and directing terrorism, and membership of or professing to be a member of the IRA.
The Crown was granted time to consider whether or not to appeal Mr Justice O’Hara’s ruling regarding Mr McCrory and the case was listed at Belfast Crown Court again on Friday.
After being told the Crown would not be appealing the ruling, Mr Justice O’Hara said: “In that event ... I find Mr McCrory not guilty on the charges against him. He is discharged.”
The Judge said he would review the case regarding Duffy and Fitzsimons next Friday (May 5).
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