Irishman on trial accused of Lithuania arms deal

Michael Campbell was arrested in the Baltic country in January 2008 in an international sting operation, and is accused of trying to buy guns and explosives for the Real IRA from undercover agents.

Prosecutor Gedgaudas Norkunas told the Vilnius District Court: "Michael Campbell mentioned on several occasions that weapons and explosives acquired in Lithuania would be used against armed forces and officials of the United Kingdom."

Campbell allegedly paid €5,000 in advance to undercover agents for a sniper rifle, rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), explosives and detonators. Another €1,000 was paid to a Lithuanian to smuggle the items into Ireland, prosecutors say. Agents from Lithuania, Ireland and Britain took part in the sting.

Mr Norkunas said: "He expressed specific interest in explosive materials, asking what amount is needed to blast government vehicles."

He added that Campbell was caught on tape saying the sniper rifle would be used against British soldiers.

Michael Campbell, 38, is the brother of Liam Campbell, believed to be a senior member of the Real IRA. Lithuania has requested his extradition, and that of another Irish citizen, Brendan McGuigan, who prosecutors claim may also be involved.

Michael Campbell has denied the charges. His lawyers are due to speak at the next hearing, in September. When journalists asked him after yesterday's hearing if he still maintained his innocence, he said: "Of course."

His lawyer, Inga Botyriene, said: "His activities in Lithuania were entirely provoked by undercover agents."

But Mr Norkunas denied any possibility of entrapment, telling the court Campbell "did what he wanted to do".

The trial is expected to continue until the end of the year.