Michael McKevitt denies all the charges

The trial of the alleged leader of the Real IRA has concluded in Dublin after the last of the witnesses gave evidence.

Michael McKevitt, 53, is the first person to appear at the Republic of Ireland's non-jury Special Criminal Court charged with directing terrorism.

The offence was one of a range of measures introduced by the Irish Government in the wake of the Omagh bombing in 1998.

The trial came to a speedy end after Mr McKevitt sacked his legal team last week.

A decision was expected from Dublin Special Criminal Court's three judges in two weeks.

Since the defence lawyers were dismissed a number of prosecution witnesses gave evidence without lengthy cross examination.

Remained in cell

The 53-year-old remained in his cell beneath the courtroom on Monday, continuing what he described as his "dignified peaceful protest".

Last Thursday, Mr McKevitt denounced the proceedings as a political show trial.

The following day he refused to come into the courtroom, saying he wished to take no further part in the trial.

The County Louth businessman is also charged with membership of an illegal organisation. He denies the charges.

Mr McKevitt is one of five people the relatives of the victims of the Omagh bombing are taking a separate civil action against in Northern Ireland.

The Real IRA attack on 15 August 1998 killed 29 people, including a woman who was seven months pregnant with twins.