Easter parade trial shown 'join the IRA' video

An unnotified parade took place in Derry's Creggan estate on Easter Monday 2023

The trial of four men accused of charges linked to a dissident republican Easter parade in Londonderry in 2023 has been shown a social media video encouraging people to "join the IRA".

Three of the defendants are from Derry: Thomas Ashe Mellon, 49, of Glendermott Road; Jason Lee Ceulemans, 53, of Creevagh Heights and Patrick Anthony Gallagher, 33, of Raftery Close.

Their co-accused at Belfast Crown Court is Stephen Martin Murney, 41, of Derrybeg Terrace in Newry.

All four deny charges linked to an Easter parade in Derry on 10 April 2023.

They are accused of arranging a meeting in support of a banned organisation, namely the IRA, on dates between 28 February and 11 April, 2023.

They also deny addressing a meeting for the purpose of encouraging support for the IRA.

Thomas Ashe-Mellon pictured on the opening day of the trial

The non-jury Diplock-style trial at Belfast Crown Court is being heard by Judge Gordon Kerr KC.

On Friday, the third day of the trial, a senior prosecution barrister referred the court to extracts of messages retrieved from the phones of the defendants showing they were in contact with each other.

An examination of Mr Murney's phone showed he was in contact with Mr Mellon and they were discussing the ''French guys'' and Mr Murney told Mr Mellon that the French were looking for somewhere to stay in Derry on Easter Sunday and Monday.

He said he was organising accommodation for the French party and that he had asked ''Big Sean'' to sort somewhere in Belfast for them on Friday and Saturday.

Jason Ceulemans is one of four defendants who deny the charges against them

Mr Mellon, the court was told, replied that he would get that sorted.

In a further conversation, Mr Mellon asked Mr Murney what date the French were coming and could they lay a wreath in Dublin on Good Friday, 7 April 2023.

Mr Murney replied that some were flying into Dublin on Good Friday while others were flying into Belfast.

On 6 April 2023, during a WhatsApp conversation, Mr Mellon is said to have asked Mr Murney about his speech.

Mr Mellon asked him to send him the ending of the speech and Mr Murney sent the following: "Before the Marie Drumm [murdered republican leader] quote.....I have a message for the British occupiers, their paramilitary police and their entire establishment .... So long as you continue to oppress us, you will meet with the enecapble (sic) consequences.''

Patrick Gallagher is the third defendant from Derry

The following day there was a conversation between Mr Murney and Paddy 'Brexit' Gallagher during which they discussed the editing and formatting of Mr Murney's speech. 'Paddy Brexit' stated that he would "reprint it when he gets home tonight''.

Two days later they agreed Mr Gallagher would refer to Mr Murney as a "leading Newry Republican''.

Mr Murney advised Mr Gallagher to refer to the French speakers at the Easter Monday event as French anti-fascists''.

During the commemoration in Derry's City Cemetery, Mr Murney was invited by Mr Gallagher to give the oration at the republican plot.

Stephen Murney, the only defendant who is not from Derry, also denies the charges against him

His oration was recorded on a TikTok video and he used another quote from veteran republican Maire Drumm.

The one minute 30 second video clip was played to the court on Friday.

At the end of the clip Mr Murney stated: "It isn't enough to shout up the IRA, the important thing is to join the IRA."

The video recorded loud applause and cheering from the assembled crowd.

The trial continues.