Edward McDonnell, 55, of Waterside Apartments, New Ross, was arrested on 14 September 2019 in Dublin for unlawful possession of a Grand Power G9 semi‑automatic pistol and for having the weapon with intent to endanger life. Garda Eoin Byrne interviewed McDonnell at Raheny Garda Station the same day. McDonnell claimed he had come to Dublin to look at cars, stating, "One minute I'm looking at a car, next thing I'm lying on the floor covered in blood." He said he had driven from New Ross to Ballyfermot, left his Toyota RAV4 at Mr Price, and then went to view a dark‑coloured Audi at Lein Park. Garda David McGinley showed McDonnell items found on him at arrest, including two balaclavas, two baseball caps, gloves and a red petrol can. Detective Sergeant John Keane testified that McDonnell entered the Audi with his firearm drawn and was removed by an armed garda. Edward McDonnell pleaded not guilty.
The prosecution concluded its evidence in the trial of Aaron Brady, who denies murdering Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe during a raid on a rural credit union. The trial, which began in January, was delayed by Covid‑19 lockdowns and resumed in May with social‑distancing measures and a reduced jury of 13. Brady, aged 28, pleaded not guilty to the capital murder of Donohoe, who was on active duty on 25 January 2013 at Lordship Credit Union, Bellurgan, Co. Louth, and also pleaded not guilty to a charge of robbing approximately €7,000 in cash and cheques at the same location. On the final day of evidence, Detective Inspector Mark Phillips disclosed a report from the Yonkers Police Department concerning witness Daniel Cahill, who had testified that Brady had told him he shot a Garda on three occasions.
During a Special Criminal Court hearing on 7 July 2020, the trial of Edward McDonnell, 55, of Waterside Apartments, New Ross, was presented. McDonnell pleaded not guilty to unlawful possession of a Grand Power G9 semi‑automatic pistol and to having the weapon with intent to endanger life. Garda Joseph Enright testified that he had observed a silver Toyota Avensis driven by Stephen Little, 46, on 11 September 2019, and that a loaded handgun was found under the passenger seat of the vehicle the day before McDonnell was forcibly removed. Enright also described items that fell from McDonnell's lap upon arrest, including baseball hats, balaclavas, gloves, a red petrol can and a long‑handled lighter. The court heard that a surveillance operation, led by Detective Inspector Noel Browne, had been underway in north Dublin from 11 September, culminating in the discovery of the firearm and related items. The trial was scheduled to continue on Thursday.
In the Central Criminal Court, Aaron Brady, aged 28, pleaded not guilty to the capital murder of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe and to the robbery of approximately €7,000 at Lordship Credit Union on 25 January 2013. Brady had earlier submitted an alibi notice claiming he was working at a diesel‑laundering yard on Concession Road, south Armagh, during the robbery. The court heard that Brady had called a known fuel launderer at 19:55 on the night of the robbery, a call that passed through a mast in Northern Ireland, and that Garda investigations found no CCTV evidence of the BMW he claimed to have used. Brady's alibi was not questioned because he is also a suspect in the robbery. The trial continues before Mr Justice Michael White with a jury of thirteen.
During the trial of Aaron Brady for the murder of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe, Judge Michael White warned the jury to treat with caution the testimony of witness Molly Staunton, who gave evidence from her New York apartment via video link. The judge explained that the court had originally intended for her to travel to Dublin, but pandemic restrictions led to the decision to allow remote testimony. He noted that Staunton was not independently supervised and that a basic risk assessment was not carried out. The interruption of her testimony by a friend or boyfriend was described by the judge as "improper and regrettable," and he apologized for the incident. The judge said he would issue a warning to the jury to exercise caution when evaluating Staunton's evidence. Aaron Brady pleaded not guilty. Adrian Donohoe pleaded not guilty.
The Central Criminal Court will resume jury trials from the end of August across multiple venues in an effort to address the significant backlog of cases suspended during coronavirus lockdown restrictions. Mr Justice Paul McDermott announced that trials will be listed in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Waterford, and Castlebar, with Dublin and Cork hosting proceedings for five weeks from August 31st, while the other locations will accommodate trials for shorter periods. Two pilot trials are scheduled to commence in Dublin on July 20th to test safety protocols and social distancing measures. Justice McDermott acknowledged that although resumption of trials represents progress, the capacity will address only approximately 25 per cent of adjourned cases. He noted the impact on complainants, families, and bereaved persons, as well as the continued custody status of numerous accused persons awaiting trial. Courts were adapted with screens and safety measures to facilitate jury proceedings while maintaining public health requirements.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, Edward McDonnell, 55, of Waterside Apartments, New Ross, was arraigned on two charges of unlawful possession of a Grand Power G9 semi‑automatic pistol and possession of that weapon with intent to endanger life. The prosecution, represented by Sean Gillane SC, presented evidence from a Garda surveillance operation that began on 11 September 2019 in north Dublin. The operation involved a Toyota Avensis driven by Stephen Little and an unknown male, and a navy‑coloured Audi parked at Lein Park, Harmonstown. On 13 September, Garda Jonathan O'Leary discovered a loaded handgun under the Avensis passenger seat, removed its magazine, and later returned it to the seat. On 14 September, McDonnell allegedly exited the Avensis, approached the Audi, took a key, and entered the vehicle before being arrested. During the arrest, items such as two balaclavas, two black caps, two pairs of gloves, a red petrol can, and an encrypted phone were recovered. Edward McDonnell pleaded not guilty.
A retired detective inspector giving evidence at the Central Criminal Court rejected claims that the garda investigation into the murder of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe was compromised by inadequate follow-up on key leads. The officer, who oversaw part of the inquiry, disputed suggestions of tunnel vision in the investigation. Aaron Brady, aged 28, from New Road, Crossmaglen, County Armagh, has pleaded not guilty to the capital murder of Detective Garda Donohoe on 25 January 2013 at Lordship Credit Union, Bellurgan, County Louth, and to robbery of approximately €7,000 in cash and cheques on the same date and location. During cross-examination, the defence counsel questioned why gardai had not pursued certain lines of inquiry relating to alleged fuel laundering activities and phone records showing contact between Mr Brady and known diesel launderers on the day of the shooting. The retired inspector maintained that the murder investigation took precedence and that gardai had properly investigated the capital crime for which Mr Brady stands charged. The trial continues.
Paul Norton, 31, was found not guilty of unlawfully possessing a loaded Beretta handgun and 31 rounds of 9mm ammunition at Stardust Memorial Park in Coolock on 5 October 2019. The Special Criminal Court judge, Mr Justice Tony Hunt, noted that the prosecution's case relied solely on the testimony of Detective Garda Flynn, who claimed Norton was the driver of a VW Passat that was chased by Gardaí and that Norton allegedly dropped a bag containing the weapon and ammunition. The judge highlighted the lack of DNA evidence and the absence of positive identification of Norton as the person who dropped the gun. He concluded that the evidence did not establish beyond a reasonable doubt that Norton was in possession of the firearm at the park, and therefore acquitted him of the charges.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing on 2 July 2020, retired Detective Inspector Pat Marry testified that Aaron Brady's account of his whereabouts on the night of 25 January 2013 was false. Marry said he did not believe Brady was at a diesel‑laundering yard on Concession Road, Co. Armagh, but that he was at Lordship Credit Union in Bellurgan, Co. Louth, where Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe was shot. Brady, aged 28, had pleaded not guilty to the capital murder of Donohoe and to a robbery of about €7,000 at the same location. Marry described the extensive CCTV analysis, phone‑traffic checks and witness statements that led him to conclude Brady's story was "bunkum and lies." The cross‑examination was set to continue before Mr Justice Michael White and a jury.
In the trial of Aaron Brady, accused of murdering Garda Adrian Donohoe, Special Agent Mary Ann Wade of U.S. Homeland Security testified via video link from New York. She denied offering any inducement to Daniel Cahill, an Irish immigrant who had overstayed his visa, in exchange for his testimony. Wade stated she had not promised or offered Cahill anything, and she refused to discuss immigration status or interview techniques. She explained that she was bound by a letter from her employer preventing disclosure of individual immigration status or agency methods. Wade described Cahill's detention, noting officers found a cannabis plant in his home, but later police determined the plant was not illegal. She reiterated that she had not made any promises to Cahill regarding his stay in the U.S. The trial continues before Mr Justice Michael White and a jury. Aaron Brady pleaded not guilty. Adrian Donohoe pleaded not guilty.
Two men, Peter Keating, 39, of Rowlagh Green, Clondalkin, and Stephen Fowler, 61, of Blakestown Cottages, Clonsilla, were charged at the Special Criminal Court on 1 July 2020 with involvement in the attempted murder of James 'Mago' Gately, a target of the Kinahan cartel. Gately was shot multiple times while seated in his car at the Topaz filling station on Clonashaugh Road, Dublin 17, on 10 May 2017. The charges, under Section 72(1A) of the Criminal Justice Act 2006, allege that between 7 December 2016 and 6 April 2017, both men, knowing of a criminal organisation, participated in or contributed to activities connected with the murder of Gately, thereby enhancing the organisation's ability to commit serious offences. Keating is also charged under Section 71 of the Act with directing the activities of a criminal organisation between 7 December 2016 and 4 April 2017, both within and outside the State.
In the Special Criminal Court, David Hunter, 41, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Michael Barr, 35, at the Sunset House pub in Dublin on 25 April 2016. Hunter, who was in Dublin with his ex‑girlfriend Jordanna Kiely and a friend, Stacy Franey, claimed he met the two women at a Travelodge in Swords at 9 pm. Kiely testified that the trio had spent the week drinking and taking drugs, and that on the day of the shooting they went shopping and later went to Temple Bar. Franey said the night was "blurry" and that the group was "hostile" during the shopping trip. The court heard that two men in rubber masks entered the pub around 9 pm and shot Barr seven times. The case is ongoing and is expected to last four to five weeks.
Aaron Brady, aged 28, was arrested in February 2018 on suspicion of the murder of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe, who was killed on 25 January 2013 at Lordship Credit Union in Bellurgan, Co. Louth. The Central Criminal Court heard that Brady denied any confession to the murder, even after a statement by Molly Staunton was played to him. In interviews at Dundalk Garda Station, Brady repeatedly denied involvement and any voluntary confession. He also denied a charge of robbing approximately €7,000 in cash and cheques on the same date and location. The prosecution, led by Dean Kelly BL, is expected to finish its case this Friday, with the trial entering its final stages. The case is before Mr Justice Michael White and a jury of six men and seven women.
A 25‑year‑old man, Jake Kearney, was arrested on 30 October 2019 for unlawful possession of a loaded Grandpower semi‑automatic pistol. He was a trusted member of an organised crime gang planning an imminent attack on a rival north Dublin faction. Gardaí seized a silver Skoda Octavia taxi, a Volkswagen Passat, Kearney's black handgun, eight 9mm bullets, his latex gloves and mobile phone. Kearney pleaded guilty on 5 May to the offence. He had previous convictions for drug dealing. His mother's home was burnt out after his arrest, an act described by the judge as a "desperate situation" and a punishment for the crime of her son. The Special Criminal Court adjourned sentencing to 30 July. The case remains at the hearing stage, with no further outcome reported.
In a High Court decision, Mr Justice Tony O'Connor ruled that Irish Life could refuse to pay the €250,000 life‑insurance benefit for the murdered gangster Eamon Dunne because he failed to disclose drug and alcohol misuse and depression when applying for the policy in 2008. The judge found that Dunne was required to give accurate details of his substance abuse and mental health history, which he did not do. The insurer's application form stated he drank six units of alcohol a week and had no mental or nervous disorder, statements that were misleading. The court rejected Ms Saunders' claim that Irish Life was negligent or that the insurer had misled Dunne. Ms Saunders, who had not read the policy terms, was found not to have been aware of Dunne's past abuse until the insurer notified her in 2011 that the policy would not pay out.
During a cross‑examination in a capital murder trial, defence barrister Daniel Cahill, 28, who was giving evidence via video link from New York, denied being a member of the "Ryan Crew" or Dublin Real IRA and insisted he was telling the truth when he said the accused, Aaron Brady, admitted shooting Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe on three occasions. Cahill also denied that he gave evidence to avoid deportation from the United States. He admitted being a childhood friend of Vincent Ryan and knowing Dean Evans, who murdered dissident republican Peter Butterly in 2013. Cahill said he had never been involved in criminal activity, had no interest in the Ryan "business", and had distanced himself from Ryan when he saw him wearing a bullet‑proof vest. The judge described the defence's suggestion that Cahill was engaged in Real IRA activity in 2012 as "outrageous" and "unacceptable". Aaron Brady pleaded not guilty.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, Aaron Brady, aged 28, pleaded not guilty to the capital murder of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe and to a robbery charge. Daniel Cahill, a bartender from New York, testified via video link that Brady repeatedly claimed he had shot a Garda during a bar fight in 2013. Cahill described three occasions where Brady, while heavily intoxicated, spoke of having killed a Garda, referencing a robbery gone wrong. Brady's statements included threats to kill others and claims of being known for having used a gun. The testimony highlighted Brady's alleged admission of shooting a Garda, but no verdict or sentencing was reported in the article. The case remains at the trial stage with a 13‑person jury hearing the evidence.
The Special Criminal Court heard on 19 June 2020 that five bullets were lodged in the head of Michael Barr, 36, who was shot to death at the Sunset House pub in Dublin on 25 April 2016. Liverpool native David Hunter, 41, is pleading not guilty to the murder. Former Deputy State Pathologist Dr Michael Curtis, appearing by video‑link, described the post‑mortem findings: seven gunshot injuries, including three entry wounds above the jaw, one behind the right ear, one behind the temple, one through the right shoulder blade, and one on the left thigh. He noted extensive skull damage and that the injuries were incompatible with life. Retired Detective Superintendent Eunan Dolan confirmed the pub was declared a crime scene and that CCTV footage had been seized by the Special Detective Unit. The defence questioned the seizure and the court adjourned the case to 23 June for further proceedings. The trial is expected to last four weeks.
In a non‑jury hearing at the Special Criminal Court, Jonathan Harding, aged 48, and Carol Davis, aged 45, were charged with a total of 50 money‑laundering offences under the Criminal Justice Act 2010. Harding faces 30 counts of converting, transferring or handling property, namely money, between 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2016, involving EBS, Bank of Ireland and AIB accounts that allegedly held proceeds of criminal conduct. Davis is charged with 20 counts of the same nature over the same period, with accounts in her own name at the same banks. The charges were read out to Harding by the registrar, and the court heard from the prosecuting solicitor that the offences relate to concealing or disguising the true nature, source, location, disposition, movement or ownership of the property.
The State has withdrawn the charges against David Galloway, 54, of Crumlin, Dublin, who had been tried in February for alleged trademark offences involving washing powders such as Persil, Ariel, Fairy, Daz and Bold. Galloway had pleaded not guilty to seven counts of unlawful trademark application to buckets and fourteen counts of possession of trademarked buckets, labels and boxes, mainly said to have occurred at Greenogue Business Park, Rathcoole on 7 June 2014. After a jury failed to reach a verdict and a prior hearing collapsed, the prosecution requested a nolle prosequi, which Judge Martin Nolan granted, ending the case.
The Special Criminal Court heard that DNA was extracted from items used by David Hunter, a 41‑year‑old UK man extradited from the UK, during his flight back to Ireland. Hunter is accused of murdering Michael Barr, 35, the bar manager of the Sunset House pub in Dublin, on 25 April 2016. Hunter pleaded not guilty and his barrister formally objected to the court's jurisdiction. Prosecutor Dominic McGinn described the shooting: two armed men in rubber masks entered the pub around 9 pm, shot Barr seven times, and fled. Evidence included a silver Audi A6 that was set on fire, a Ford Mondeo, and weapons and masks found in the vehicles. A phone found near a bullet had no fingerprints. DNA from an apple, ear‑plugs, a cigarette butt, and clothing seized at Bridewell matched a mixed profile from a rubber mask and a ski mask. The trial is expected to last four to five weeks.
Derek Devoy, 37, of Balbutcher Lane, Poppintree, Ballymun, admitted to the Special Criminal Court that he had attacked two Gardaí and possessed two sub‑machine guns and a hand grenade near his home in north Dublin last year. He pleaded guilty to four counts: possession of a 9mm Makarov PM 63 sub‑machine gun, possession of a Yugoslavian M75 hand grenade, and assault on Garda Andrew O'Connor and Garda Conor Garland. The charges stem from incidents on 11 March 2019 at Crannogue Road, Ballymun, where the weapons were found in his possession and the Gardaí were attacked while performing their duties. Devoy was remanded in custody to appear before the Special Criminal Court on 22 June 2020. The court heard the four counts and he pleaded "guilty" to each. No further details of the proceedings or potential sentencing were provided in the article.
During the second day of evidence in the trial of Aaron Brady, a 28‑year‑old accused of murdering Garda Adrian Donohoe in 2013, witness Molly Staunton, 24, was interrupted while giving testimony by a male voice over her video link from New York. The voice told her to stop and not testify. The feed was cut off, but the jury was asked to leave and then return. Staunton later confirmed that Brady had said he wanted to be a good father and that he had told her he killed a cop, a statement she had made to Gardaí in 2017. Brady has pleaded not guilty to the capital murder and a robbery charge. Justice Michael White instructed the jury to return on Tuesday afternoon.
A witness testified at the Central Criminal Court that Aaron Brady, the man accused of murdering Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe, admitted to killing someone and stated he carried "the guilt of having murdered a cop in Ireland". Molly Staunton, giving evidence via video link from New York, told the court that in July 2016 Brady lived in an apartment there with her then boyfriend and another man. She recalled an evening when Brady emerged from his bedroom appearing distressed and intoxicated, claiming he had shot a police officer in Ireland and feared gardaí would come to the apartment. Brady, aged 28, from Crossmaglen, Co Armagh, has pleaded not guilty to the capital murder of Detective Garda Donohoe on 25 January 2013 at Lordship Credit Union, Bellurgan, Co Louth, and to robbing approximately €7,000 in cash and cheques at the same location. The trial, before Mr Justice Michael White and a jury, continues.
The Central Criminal Court announced that jury trials, suspended after the March Covid‑19 lockdown, will resume on 20 July 2020. Justice Paul McDermott said two trials will start on that date, serving as templates for further trials later in the year. He noted that judges will remain available during the usual August‑September vacation period if guidelines allow. Custody trials were given priority, though many had been adjourned during the emergency. The court highlighted extensive safety measures, including larger spaces for jurors to maintain social distancing.
A trial date has been set for the Special Criminal Court to hear the murder case of gangland figure Eamon Kelly, who was shot on 4 December 2012 at Furry Park Road, Killester. The accused are Kenneth Donohoe, 43, of Hazelgrove Estate, Tallaght, and Darren Murphy, 49, of Rory O'Connor House, Dublin 1. Both men face charges of murder and a connected firearms offence for unlawful possession of a Glock pistol with intent to endanger life. Mr Justice Tony Hunt fixed the trial for 10 June 2021, with an expected duration of six weeks.
Alan Wilson, aged 40, has been set a trial date of 4 October 2021 at the Special Criminal Court for three counts of attempted murder linked to a shooting at The Players Lounge pub in Fairview, Dublin. He is accused of attempting to kill Brian Masterson, Wayne Barrett and Austin Purcell on 26 July 2010. Wilson also faces charges of possessing a .38 Special Smith & Wesson revolver, a .32 Auto Zastava semi‑automatic pistol, and corresponding ammunition, all with intent to endanger life. He denied the allegations during a brief hearing and was joined by video‑link.
The Special Criminal Court will deliver a verdict next month in the case of Paul Norton (31) from Cromcastle Court, Coolock, Dublin 17, who is accused of dropping a loaded handgun during a chase through the Stardust Memorial Park on October 5th, 2019. Norton has pleaded not guilty to the unlawful possession of a handgun and ammunition. The trial has heard that the State's case relies on recognition by two detectives, Det Gda Keith Cassidy and Det Gda Jason Flynn, who both identified Norton during the chase. They stated that Norton exited the driver's side of a Volkswagen Passat and looked directly at their windscreen. The detectives, who have 13 years of experience working in Coolock, said they simultaneously recognized Norton. However, the defense, led by Mr Michael Bowman SC, argued that there was a lack of physical description of the suspect in any Garda statement and that the evidence was insufficient.
Two men appeared before the Special Criminal Court on charges relating to an alleged attempted murder in Limerick in 2015. John Costello, aged 39, of Hennessy Avenue, Kileely, County Limerick, faced charges of knowledge of the McCarthy-Dundon criminal organisation and providing transport to facilitate the attempted murder of Christy Keane at University of Limerick car park on 29 June 2015. Larry McCarthy, aged 42, of Tower Lodge, Old Court Road, Limerick City, was charged with making a vehicle available to the same criminal organisation in connection with the alleged incident between 27 and 29 June 2015. Both charges fall under Section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006. McCarthy was arrested in Buncrana, County Donegal. The court heard an application for medical attention regarding an injury sustained by McCarthy. Both men were remanded in custody, with the cases adjourned to 12 June.
Sean Ruth, 31, of Blacktrench, Rathangan, Co Kildare, appeared before the Special Criminal Court on 2 June 2020 charged with eight offences under the Money Laundering and Terrorist Finance Act. The alleged offences took place in the State between 1 January and 31 December 2016. Garda Paul Kane informed the court that a warrant had been executed for Mr Ruth, who is accused of making four lodgements into an AIB account and four into an account at St Canice's Credit Union, Kilkenny, with the accounts allegedly held in his name. The amounts of the lodgements were not disclosed. Mr Ruth is accused of knowing, believing, or being reckless as to whether the monies lodged were proceeds of criminal conduct.
In a trial that began in January, Mr Justice Michael White apologized to a jury of six men and seven women for delays caused by the COVID‑19 pandemic and other legal matters. He explained that the jury need not attend until 8 June, while the court addressed issues in their absence, and that the trial is expected to continue until the end of June, though he noted it is hard to predict. Mr White also informed the jury that witnesses from America would testify, with court sittings scheduled at 2 pm to accommodate the time difference. The case concerns Aaron Brady, 28, who has pleaded not guilty to the capital murder of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe and to a robbery charge involving approximately €7,000. The jury heard testimony from a female witness who observed Brady on the day of the shooting and from Sgt John Barnes, who described a search of Brady's home. The trial continues.
A detective testified in the Special Criminal Court that he was on first-name terms with Paul Norton (31), accused of possessing a loaded handgun and 31 rounds of 9mm ammunition at Stardust Memorial Park in Coolock, Dublin on October 5th, 2019. Norton has pleaded not guilty. The trial heard that the State's case relied on identification, as there was no DNA evidence. It is alleged that during a high-speed chase, Norton dropped a bag containing a loaded Beretta 92, a full magazine with 15 rounds, and 15 additional rounds. Detective Garda Keith Cassidy stated he could identify Norton due to familiarity with his family and friends, and noted that Norton had nicknamed him 'Paudge' after a character from the TV series 'Red Rock'. During the chase, Norton exited a VW Passat, which had sustained tire damage, and was identified by Cassidy and another detective. The trial continues.
During the trial of Aaron Brady, a car‑identification expert, Andy Wooller, testified that a BMW belonging to Brady matches a vehicle seen on CCTV footage of the robbery that led to the shooting of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe. Wooller, employed by An Garda Síochána to examine the footage, identified a BMW 5‑Series E60 from a recording taken outside Sharkey's Bar in Clogherhead on 23 January 2013, three nights before the robbery. He noted that the suspect's car had a roof wrap that reflected light differently from the rest of the body, a detail he used to confirm the match. Wooller also identified a dark‑toned Volkswagen Passat V6 at the robbery site, distinguishing it from other models by its rear‑light shape. The evidence was presented to the court without bias, and the trial continues before Mr Justice Michael White and a jury of thirteen. Aaron Brady pleaded not guilty. Adrian Donohoe pleaded not guilty.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, Paul Norton, 31, pleaded not guilty to unlawful possession of a Beretta handgun and 31 rounds of 9mm ammunition found at Stardust Memorial Park on 5 October 2019. The State's case relied on recognition evidence, as no DNA was recovered. The prosecution alleged that during a high‑speed chase, Norton dropped a bag containing a 9mm Beretta 92 with a single round in the chamber, a full magazine of 15 rounds, and an additional 15 rounds. Defence counsel Michael Bowman questioned the forensic evidence, noting that forensic samples from the bags were contaminated and that DNA from a forensic scientist was found. He also highlighted that DNA from two other men, BD and EN, was identified on the Passat and a bottle of Corona beer, respectively.
The trial of Aaron Brady, 28, from Crossmaglen, Co Armagh, continued at the Central Criminal Court before Mr Justice Michael White and a jury. Brady has pleaded not guilty to the alleged capital murder of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe, who was on active duty, and to a charge of robbing approximately €7,000 in cash and cheques. Both alleged offences are said to have occurred on January 25, 2013, at Lordship Credit Union, Bellurgan, Co Louth. Prosecution counsel Lorcan Staines SC called Matt Cass of Acuity Forensics, who testified via video link that his company specialises in impartial image analysis and vehicle identification. Cass explained that his colleague, Andy Wooller, conducted a "blind analysis" of CCTV footage from the night of the shooting and from two nights prior, without receiving background information from gardai to prevent bias. Wooller identified potential vehicles, including BMW 5-Series models, Volkswagen Passats, and a Peugeot 508. Detective Garda Garreth Kenna presented original CCTV footage alongside reconstructed versions using these identified vehicles to assist the jury in comparison. The prosecution alleges a Volkswagen Passat used in the robbery was stolen from Clogherhead, Co Louth, prior to the incident. The matter remains at the trial stage and continues.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, a 38‑year‑old woman who was raped while asleep delivered a victim impact statement in which she said she would be alone for the rest of her life. She described the past three or four years as "hell", blamed herself for not being strong enough for her children, and said she feels she has failed as a mother and has been robbed of everything. She cannot watch any media containing a kiss and wishes to be free of pain. The accused, a 38‑year‑old man with a prior assault conviction, pleaded not guilty to rape. A jury found him guilty on the sole count. The court adjourned the matter for finalisation on 19 June. The woman's statement was read before the judge. The accused accepted the verdict and expressed remorse. The case is pending finalisation.
In the trial of Aaron Brady, a 28‑year‑old from Crossmaglen, the jury was shown a frame‑by‑frame analysis of CCTV footage by Garda witness Garreth Kenna. Kenna testified that a car belonging to a friend of Brady, suspected in the credit‑union robbery that led to the death of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe, passed the scene with its passenger‑side front window open. Defence counsel Fiona Murphy challenged the claim, arguing the footage did not show an open window and that the appearance might be a trick of light. Under re‑examination, Kenna reiterated that the colour and tone of the front and back passenger windows differed as the car drove past Lordship Credit Union less than eight hours before Donohoe was shot. Brady pleaded not guilty to the capital murder of Donohoe and to the robbery of about €7,000.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, Paul Norton, aged 31, pleaded not guilty to unlawful possession of a Beretta handgun and 31 rounds of 9mm ammunition found in a black drawstring bag at Stardust Memorial Park, Coolock, on 5 October 2019. Gardaí Detective Jason Flynn recounted a high‑speed chase that began when a navy blue Passat was spotted in a cul‑de‑sac off Bunratty Road. The vehicle collided with a traffic island, and Norton exited the car. Flynn pursued Norton into the park, where Norton dropped the bag while attempting to escape. The bag contained the handgun, a full clip of ammunition, and an additional round in the breech. No forensic evidence linked the weapon or ammunition to Norton, and he was arrested on 13 October 2019. The trial was scheduled to continue the following day.
In a trial for the murder of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe, Judge Michael White requested the High Court president extend daily sittings beyond the usual two‑hour limit due to Covid‑19 concerns. He informed the jury that a direction had been received preventing the trial from exceeding two hours per day, and he is awaiting approval for an extension. The jury, consisting of six men and seven women, heard cross‑examination of Detective Garda Gareth Kenna, who presented a CCTV montage of vehicles in County Louth around the time of the robbery and shooting. Kenna explained that the montage included footage of a Volkswagen Polo stolen from Clogherhead and a dark‑toned saloon resembling a 5‑Series BMW with fog lights. He clarified that fog lights are common and that a distinct roof texture is not unique. The trial continues under Judge White. Adrian Donohoe pleaded not guilty.
The trial of Aaron Brady, charged with the capital murder of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe, may have to shorten its daily hearings because of new Covid‑19 health advice. Judge Michael White told the jury that hearings could be limited due to the pandemic and would update them the following day. The change follows advice from microbiologist Professor Martin Cormican, who warned that anyone present at a hearing lasting two hours or more could be considered a Covid contact if they develop the virus within two days, requiring 14 days of self‑isolation. The courts service has requested urgent further advice on the matter. Brady, 29, pleaded not guilty to the murder and to a robbery of about €7,000 at the Lordship Credit Union on 25 January 2013. The trial continues.
During the trial of Aaron Brady, accused of murdering Garda Adrian Donohoe, mobile phone analyst Edward McGoey testified that he was not informed of Brady's claim that he was laundering diesel on the night of the murder. McGoey explained that he was only given phone numbers and asked to analyse contacts at relevant times, without knowledge of any fuel‑laundering allegations. He also was unaware of links between five men known to Brady and diesel laundering. Brady, 29, pleaded not guilty to the murder and to a robbery of €7,000 from Pat Bellew on the same day. McGoey spent five days presenting phone‑contact evidence between Brady, two robbery suspects, and a brother of one suspect. Defence counsel Michael O'Higgins used the evidence to illustrate the investigation's focus on phone contacts, noting that Brady had claimed to be at a diesel‑laundering site in south Armagh that evening.
Paul Norton, a 31‑year‑old from Cromcastle Court, Coolock, was arraigned before the Special Criminal Court on a charge of unlawful possession of a Beretta semi‑automatic pistol and 31 rounds of 9mm ammunition for an unlawful purpose at the Stardust Memorial Park in Coolock on 5 October 2019. He pleaded not guilty. Judge Tony Hunt announced the trial would commence on Wednesday 20 May and would last five days. He confirmed that Norton's partner and mother could attend the proceedings.
In the Special Criminal Court, two men pleaded guilty to roles in an alleged plot by the Kinahan Cartel to murder Patrick 'Patsy' Hutch. Ciaran O'Driscoll, 24, admitted to participating in activities intending to facilitate the commission of a serious offence by a criminal organisation, specifically acting as a look-out and helping plan the intended shooting. Stephen Curtis, 32, also pleaded guilty to facilitating the murder by providing mobile phones, SIM cards, and credit top-ups, and passing on O'Driscoll's number. Both defendants had their cases adjourned to Friday, 29 May. Michael Burns, 43, who has already pleaded guilty to passing instructions and acting as a communications conduit, is also scheduled to appear on 29 May. Mark Capper, 31, pleaded guilty to providing and repairing vehicles and carrying out reconnaissance; his case was adjourned to 28 May. Mohammed Smew, 27, is accused of supplying and repairing vehicles, with his case adjourned via video-link to June 15 to allow for the furnishing of transcripts while he is in prison. The matter remains at the trial stage, with no sentences or final findings recorded for the defendants mentioned.
A High Court hearing on 12 May 2020 reported that a Garda investigation file is being prepared against Conor Freeman, a 20‑year‑old Dublin man, who is wanted in the United States for alleged hacking theft of more than $2 million in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. Freeman was arrested in May 2019 on a US warrant for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, four counts of aiding and abetting wire fraud and four counts of aiding and abetting aggravated identity theft. US authorities allege that Freeman, part of an online group called "The Community", participated in four attacks that stole $2,187,977 in cryptocurrency between February and May 2018. The US indictment, issued by a Grand Jury in Michigan, also cites a "SIM hijacking" technique used to steal identities and gain control of victims' mobile numbers and accounts.
In a trial at the Central Criminal Court, Mr Justice Michael White warned the jury not to consult social media and to focus solely on the evidence presented in court. The case concerns Aaron Brady, 29, who has pleaded not guilty to the capital murder of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe and to the robbery of approximately €7,000 from Mr Pat Bellew on 25 January 2013 at Lordship Credit Union, Bellurgan, Co Louth. Prosecutors presented CCTV footage and mobile phone data linking Brady and two suspected accomplices. The data showed no outgoing calls from Brady's phone between 20:01 and 22:45 that evening, and a marked increase in call activity on 26 January. The trial continues with a jury of six men and seven women hearing the evidence presented by prosecution counsel Lorcan Staines SC.
The Special Criminal Court heard sentencing submissions for Mark Capper and Michael Burns, both of whom pleaded guilty to facilitating the murder of Patrick Hutch by a Criminal Organisation between February 1 and March 10, 2018. Capper, 31, admitted to a single count involving knowledge of the organisation and participation in activities to facilitate the serious offence, including planning the shooting and providing vehicles. Burns, 43, pleaded guilty to participating in the organisation's activities, including acting as a communications conduit, providing mobile phones and SIM cards, and assisting in planning the murder. Detective Superintendent Dave Gallagher testified that the Kinahan gang operated through hierarchical sub-cells and that Capper, described as a foot soldier, expressed reluctance and withdrew from the plot three days before it was foiled. The court noted Capper's 65 previous convictions and personal circumstances, including ADHD and financial difficulties. Justice Tony Hunt, sitting with Judges Sarah Berkeley and Dermot Dempsey, adjourned the finalisation of Capper's sentence to June 9th. No sentence was imposed on either defendant during this hearing.
In the trial of Aaron Brady, a 28‑year‑old from Crossmaglen, the Central Criminal Court heard that a BMW 5‑Series belonging to one of the suspects passed Lordship Credit Union less than eight hours before the robbery and fatal shooting of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe. Detective Garda Gareth Kenna told counsel that the suspect's face was visible through the open front passenger window at 1.46 pm, and that seconds later the vehicle was seen on CCTV with the window closed. The robbery took place at about 9.30 pm on 25 January 2013, when Brady pleaded not guilty to the capital murder of Donohoe, who was 41 and on active duty, and to the robbery of approximately €7,000 in cash and cheques.
At the Central Criminal Court, jurors have viewed CCTV footage documenting events preceding a fatal robbery at Lordship Credit Union in County Louth. Detective Garda Gareth Kenna testified regarding surveillance material from January 2013, depicting a BMW 5-Series at a service station near the border, with subsequent footage tracking a similar vehicle southward through County Louth locations including Monasterboice and Clogherhead. A Volkswagen Passat stolen from the Clogherhead area was later discovered burned out in Armagh. Aaron Brady, aged 28 from Crossmaglen, County Armagh, has pleaded not guilty to the capital murder of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe on 25 January 2013, and to robbery of approximately €7,000 and cheques from the credit union on the same date. The court also heard evidence concerning fuel laundering activity in the Armagh area, where a witness reported pursuing a white Transit van dumping diesel waste near Castleblayney in 2012. The trial continues before Mr Justice Michael White and a jury.
The trial of Aaron Brady, who denies the capital murder of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe, resumed after a nine‑week break. The jury, now six men and seven women, viewed CCTV footage of a car's movements three nights before the January 2013 robbery that killed Donohoe. Brady, 28, pleaded not guilty to the murder and to a charge of robbing about €7,000 in cash and cheques at the same location. The court addressed Covid‑19 precautions, allowing remote viewing and limiting courtroom numbers. Brendan Grehan SC outlined that evidence from May 18 will include witnesses in New York via live video. Edward McGoey, a civilian crime analyst, testified about phone records, while Detective Garda Gareth Kenna presented CCTV montages showing a dark‑toned saloon car near the crime scene. The trial continues under Mr Justice Michael White.