MI5 agent Denis McFadden will not testify if not granted anonymity, court told.

MI5 double agent Denis McFadden will not testify against 10-alleged dissident republicans if he is not granted anonymity, a court heard.

.        MI5 double-agent Denis McFadden                who infiltrated the New IRA. 

Defence counsel Joseph O'Keefe revealed at Downpatrick Magistrates Court that according to a "ministerial certificate" seeking anonymity for numerous undercover police and MI5 officers, "MI5 will not compel their staff [to testify] if they are not given anonymity or screened".

"It's really thumbing their nose to the court and the procedures of this court and the interests of justice," declared the barrister. Lawyers for eight men and two women facing terrorist charges after an undercover MI5 double-agent infiltrated the New IRA yesterday began legal arguments.

With the 10 appearing at Downpatrick Magistrates Court by videolink, their barristers began arguments objecting to certain aspects of the case including prosecution applications for some of the police officers and MI5 agents to be anoymised and for evidence admitted as hearsay. Ultimately, the lawyers are seeking to persuade District Judge Michael Ranaghan not to admit some of the evidence.

The 10 have been in custody following an MI5 surveillance operation at two properties in Co Tyrone, the first at Barony Road, Sixmilecross and the second property at Buninver Road. It has been reported that MI5 double-agent Denis McFadden arranged the rentals for meetings which the PSNI/RUC and PPS allege involved high ranking members of the New IRA where topics allegedly discussed included weapons procurement, recruitment and international links.

Charges include directing terrorism, membership of the IRA, conspiring to direct terrorism, possessing articles for a terrorist purpose and preparation of terrorist acts.

Legal arguments are set to last all week and potentially into next week before any ruling is expected from DJ Ranaghan. 

With many thanks to the: Irish News for the original publication.

Follow these links to find out more on this story: British Government tried to prevent BBC News exposing MI5 Agent who used his secret status to terrorise and sexually abuse his partner.

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