Arms suspect says agents trapped him

An Irishman on trial in Lithuania on charges of trying to buy illegal weapons and explosives says he is not guilty and that he was provoked by undercover agents.

Michael Campbell, 39, an alleged IRA dissident, told a court yesterday in his final statement before the trial closes that he was a victim of entrapment by Lithuanian and British agents. He says Lithuanian prosecutors falsified his testimony to build a case against him.

Mr Campbell was arrested in 2008 after allegedly handing £9,000 to an agent posing as a weapons supplier. He faces 16 years in prison if found guilty. A verdict is due on 21 October. AP