ANTI-DRUG ACTIVISTS FOR TRIAL ON MAN'S KILLING

Three anti-drug activists charged with killing Mr Josie Dwyer (44), a heroin
addict, have been returned for trial to the Special Criminal Court while
nine others will appear before a jury in the Circuit Court.

Mr Bernard Dempsey (30), of Marrowbone Lane, Dublin; Mr Stephen Carney (25),
of Dolphin House, Rialto; and Mr Ronald Byrne (39), of Cremona Road,
Ballyfermot, appeared in Dublin District Court accused of the manslaughter
of Mr Dwyer who was suffering from AIDS.

They are also accused of assaulting Mr Dwyer's companion, Mr Alan Byrne
(25), and violent disorder at Basin Lane, off Thomas Street, on May 15th, 1996.

Nine other men facing similar charges are: Mr Mark Cooke (24); Mr John Kenny
(42); Mr Martin Glynn (39); Mr Hugh Byrne (31), all of Dolphin House,
Rialto; Mr William Kenny (44), of St Anthony's Road, Rialto; Mr Mark Alfred
(24), of Seagull House, Dublin; and Mr Christopher O'Shea (48); Mr John
Fitzpatrick (35); and Mr Andrew Kelly (31), all from Fatima Mansions, Rialto.

Mr Desmond Whelan (27), of Dolphin House, Rialto, who had also been charged
was stabbed to death near his home on April 1st last year.

Judge John Neilan remanded 11 of the men on independent bail of IEP34,000
each on condition they do not interfere with witnesses, but the court heard
Mr Carney is currently being held in Portlaoise Prison on other charges.

After the hearing the Coalition of Communities Against Drugs issued a
statement condemning the decision to have the three men tried before a
non-jury court.

Checked-by: Melodi Cornett