Islamic State terrorist Lisa Smith trial on terrorism charges set for 2022

Former Irish Defence Forces member Lisa Smith, who is charged with membership of terrorist group Islamic State and with funding terrorism, will go on trial in 2022.

The 38-year-old from Co Louth was before the Special Criminal Court this morning where her trial date was set for 11 January 2022.

The trial is expected to last 12 weeks.

Ms Smith is charged with an offence contrary to the Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) Act 2005, which carries a possible ten-year sentence.

She is accused of being a member of unlawful terrorist group Islamic State (ISIS) between 28 October 2015 and 1 December 2019.

In July, a further charge was bought against under the same legislation for financing terrorism by sending €800 in assistance, via a Western Union money transfer, to a named man on 6 May 2015.

She denies the charges.

At a brief hearing this morning, prosecuting counsel Geraldine Small told the court the case will last 12 weeks.

Ms Smith’s defence counsel Michael O’Higgins SC told the court that other legal issues may arise.

Mr O’Higgins said it was a “somewhat diffuse case” and it was “early days yet”.

He said his client was signing on twice daily at a garda station and there was no objection from the State to reduce this to once a day.

Ms Smith, who denies the charges, sat in the body of the courtroom for today’s hearing.

She was remanded on continuing bail until her trial date in 2022.

The case will also be mentioned before the court on 31 July 2021, but she is not required to attend on that date.

Source: RTE