De Lorean accused of claiming IRA ties

Automaker John De Lorean was accused of claiming a close relationship with the Irish Republican Army in documents filed in court by prosecutors in his upcoming trial.

Mr. De Lorean was further alleged to have claimed that the IRA was a partial sponsor of his automobile project and to have referred to the group as his protectors. He also claimed to have gotten IRA money to finance a narcotics scheme, prosecutors said. The statements attributed to Mr. De Lorean were allegedly made to undercover agents working on behalf of the government last September and videotaped. His lawyers deny the report.