Islamic State suspect Lisa Smith is anxious to prove her innocence as terror case is adjourned

Islamic State suspect Lisa Smith is anxious to “prove her innocence”, a court heard as prosecutors were given more time to prepare the case against her.

The former Defence Forces soldier was remanded on continuing bail after Dublin District Court heard a book of evidence was not ready yet. Ms Smith (38) consented to a six-week adjournment but her lawyer again called for the case to be discontinued.

She is charged with membership of a terrorist group outside the State between October 28, 2015 and December 1 last year, which she denies.

The Co Louth mother of one, who left Ireland and married after converting to Islam, was returned here from Turkey in December after spending time in a Syrian refugee camp.

Yesterday, a State solicitor asked Judge Colin Daly to extend time for service of the book of evidence, which is required before she can be sent for trial to a higher court.

“She is on strict bail conditions and she is anxious that this matter is dealt with expeditiously,” defence solicitor Peter Corrigan said.

The defence had asked the DPP to look at the charge “very carefully” and Mr Corrigan said it was still his case that “the matter should be discontinued”.

Consenting to the adjournment to April 17, he said it was with the caveat that Ms Smith was anxious to have the matter dealt with “so she can prove her innocence”.

In the interim, he said, the prosecution should again look at documentation provided.

Judge Daly said this was a matter for the DPP and he did not have a function in it.

Ms Smith, dressed in a hooded black winter coat over a black dress and maroon and black head scarf, was not required to speak during the brief hearing.

Source: Independent