Kildare man 'plotted to run guns in NI'

The case was heard at Belfast Crown Court

A County Kildare man has admitted plotting to run guns, drugs and counterfeit cigarettes into Northern Ireland two years ago.

Paul Edward Meehan, 35, with an address in The Crescent, Sallins, admitted ten charges at Belfast Crown Court.

Prosecution was granted a forfeiture application of 408,630 euros from Meehan. He will be sentenced later.

No details of his crimes were given to judge Mr Justice Stephens on Friday.

Meehan admitted smuggling in a quantity of counterfeit cigarettes between 25 February and 28 March 2008, and to using criminal property amounting to more than 400,000 euros.

He also admitted conspiring to possess firearms, ammunition and drugs between 29 July and 3 September, 2008, and having a false driving licence in his own name.