Man admits providing funds for Islamic State

Hassan Bal, who holds an Irish and a British passport, pleaded guilty at Waterford Circuit Court (Artist's impression)

A man has pleaded guilty at Waterford Circuit Court to providing funding for the so-called Islamic State organisation.

Hassan Bal, who holds an Irish and a British passport, pleaded guilty to two charges relating to providing funds for the benefit of a terrorist group and attempting to collect or receive funds for a terrorist group.

Bal, 26, with an address formerly at O'Connell Street in Waterford city, has been remanded in custody.

He has been in custody since last May having been charged with a number of offences. He pleaded guilty to the two charges put to him in court.

It is alleged that on 2 October 2015 he sent €400 to a man in Brako in Bosnia, knowing that the money would be used by IS.

The money was sent through an An Post Western Union money transfer from Waterford.

Bal is also charged with attempting to collect or receive unspecified funds on 23 October 2015 through dealings with a man in London, again knowing the money would be used by IS.

It is understood Bal was born in Britain but has been living in Ireland for over a decade.

He is married but is not known to have any children.

It is understood he was in receipt of social welfare and had been training as an apprentice electrician.

He was remanded in custody and his case will be mentioned again on 10 April when a date for sentencing will be fixed.