Unusual meeting between prisoners held on "humanitarian grounds", superintendent tells trial

A superintendent has told the Central Criminal Court that he facilitated an unusual meeting between two detained siblings on humanitarian grounds rather than as an investigative strategy. Keith Brady, aged 31, of Cartron Estate in Sligo town, is charged with the murder of Martin Kivlehan between 2nd and 3rd August 2015. He has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. During cross-examination on the sixth day of the trial, Superintendent Jim Delaney explained that he permitted the meeting between Mr Brady and his sister Janice after she became distressed, noting both detainees had been unruly. Defence counsel suggested the meeting was designed to prompt a breakthrough in the investigation, given that Mr Brady provided admissions immediately afterwards. Superintendent Delaney maintained the decision was motivated by humanitarian concern. The court heard Mr Brady subsequently made statements expressing remorse and provided an on-camera apology to the deceased's family. Legal argument is currently underway before Ms Justice Carmel Stewart, with jury proceedings resuming Thursday.