Gardai concerned about potential witness intimidation in Lordship-related trial

A detective inspector has outlined concerns about potential witness intimidation in the Special Criminal Court proceedings against James Flynn, who is accused of conspiring with garda killer Aaron Brady to steal vehicles allegedly used in the Lordship Credit Union robbery near Dundalk on 25 January 2013, during which Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe was murdered. Detective Inspector Mark Phillips detailed specific incidents during Brady's murder trial, alleging attempts to discourage witnesses and intimidate jury members. The inspector claimed Flynn's father sought to prevent a critical witness from giving evidence and that video testimony was subsequently shared on social media accompanied by inflammatory commentary. He expressed concern that such a campaign of intimidation would intensify if Flynn were released on bail. The court heard that Flynn, aged 43, holds dual United Kingdom and United States citizenship and maintains significant financial resources through established businesses in both jurisdictions. His address is listed in Newry, County Down. Defence counsel submitted that there is no evidence their client poses a flight risk or will interfere with witnesses, distinguishing his conduct from that of his father and Tony Brady. The bail hearing was adjourned to the following morning for the court's determination. This matter comes as Flynn faces retrial on robbery-related charges. The Special Criminal Court previously convicted him of conspiring with Brady to steal a Volkswagen Passat on 22 and 23 January 2013 at locations in County Louth, though verdicts on separate robbery charges were still being delivered by the three-judge bench comprising Judge Tony Hunt, Judge Sarah Berkeley, and Judge Alan Mitchell.