Secrets Sailor Wanted 'To See Girlfriend'

More details have emerged today of the case against an Irish Navy serviceman said to have passed on State secrets.

He is due to be sentenced today for disclosing the whereabouts of his vessel to his girlfriend by text.

Charges of possession of cocaine and conspiracy to aid in the importation of drugs into Ireland were dropped against Able Seaman Eoin Gray (24) after he changed his plea during his court martial yesterday at McKee Barracks in Dublin.

Able Seaman Gray was arraigned on five charges. Two were related to the unauthorised disclosure of the operation of State ships, contrary to section 168 (1) of the 1954 Defence Act. It is seen as conduct, which is prejudicial to good order and discipline.

A third charge was in relation to section 21 of the Misuse of Drugs Act in relation to a charge of conspiracy to aid people with the illegal importation of drugs, and a fourth under section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act (1977) of the unlawful possession of cocaine at an unknown address.

He also faced an extra charge of being in possession of eight counterfeit hair straighteners at Lower Glanmire Road, Cork, on December 15th, 2008, an offence which was also considered prejudicial to good order and discipline under military law.

Having pleaded not guilty yesterday morning to all five charges, Able Seaman Gray pleaded guilty in the afternoon to a single charge of knowingly and without due authority disclosing information to a third party about the operation of State ships at sea.

The accused said that he wished to do so to see if he would be free for the weekend and texted his girlfriend accordingly.

On the recommendation of the judge, the five-member jury, composed of four officers and one non-commissioned officer, found Able Seaman Gray guilty on one charge and not guilty on four charges.

The case was adjourned until today to allow pleas of mitigation before sentencing.

(BMcC/GK)