The Special Criminal Court heard evidence from victims of "creeper" burglaries in the ongoing trial of two men accused of conspiring to commit such break-ins across the border region. Brendan Treanor and James Flynn, both charged with conspiracy to steal car keys from residential properties between September 2012 and January 2013, have pleaded not guilty. They face additional charges relating to a seven-thousand-euro robbery at Lordship Credit Union in Co Louth on 25 January 2013. Detective Garda Neil Brady outlined gardaí investigations into overnight burglaries in Cavan, Monaghan, Louth and Westmeath where door locks were forced to access vehicles. Five witnesses gave accounts of thefts from their homes, including a vehicle stolen from Virginia, Co Cavan in October 2012 whose engine was later recovered on the M1 motorway. Other victims described vehicles taken from properties in Westmeath following forced entry during January 2013. The trial continues before Mr Justice Tony Hunt.
The Special Criminal Court has ruled that burglary and robbery charges against two men will be heard together, rejecting an application to separate the trials. Brendan Treanor, aged 34, formerly of Dundalk, County Louth, and James Flynn, aged 32, from South Armagh, face conspiracy charges relating to house burglaries between September 2012 and January 2013, and robbery charges stemming from a credit union incident in Bellurgan, County Louth on 25 January 2013. Both have pleaded not guilty. Mr Justice Tony Hunt, presiding over the three-judge court, exercised his discretion to combine the trials while confirming each charge will be considered separately. The court heard evidence from Virginia and Monaghan residents describing break-ins and car thefts during the relevant period. Detective Garda Laura Bolger provided maps charting distances between alleged theft locations and properties connected to the accused. Aaron Brady, previously convicted of murder and burglary in the same matter, is serving a life sentence with a forty-year minimum and is appealing his conviction.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, defence counsel Sean Guerin SC argued that the prosecution sought to introduce evidence of burglaries committed by Brendan Treanor and James Flynn to prejudice them in the Lordship Credit Union robbery case that resulted in the death of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe. Guerin said the burglaries had no connection to the robbery and requested separate trials for each charge. Bernard Condon SC supported this position for Flynn. Prosecutor Brendan Grehan SC countered that the burglary and robbery charges were joined because of a continuum of facts, citing similarities in location, timing, method and mobile phone evidence. He argued the burglary evidence would show the accused were not in innocent association on the day of the robbery. The court would rule on the matter next Tuesday. Treanor (34) and Flynn (32) have pleaded not guilty to both the burglary and robbery charges.
Aaron Brady, aged 31, is awaiting a new trial for conspiracy to pervert the course of justice, a charge that arose from attempts to persuade State witness Daniel Cahill not to testify in the murder case of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe. The Special Criminal Court postponed the trial to April 8 2024 to avoid conflict with Brady's October appeal of his murder conviction. Brady and co‑accused Dean Byrne, aged 29, are accused of conspiring between April 8 2020 and June 22 2020 to influence Cahill's testimony, and of recording a video of Cahill being interviewed by Gardaí between February 20 2020 and May 7 2020. The video, circulated on social media, was described by Judge Michael White as "the most outrageous contempt of court" and a "deliberate attempt to intimidate." Brady was convicted in August 2020 of murdering Garda Donohoe and sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 40 years.
Two men have been charged with conspiracy to commit a series of burglaries known as "creeper burglaries" across Ireland between September 2012 and January 2013. The Special Criminal Court heard that the offences involved late-night break-ins at residential properties, where car keys were stolen and vehicles removed. A Volkswagen Passat taken during a creeper burglary in Clogherhead, County Louth in January 2013 was subsequently used in a robbery at Lordship Credit Union in Bellurgan on 25 January 2013, during which Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe was shot dead. Brendan Treanor, 34, formerly of Dundalk, and James Flynn, 32, from South Armagh are charged with conspiracy and with the credit union robbery. The prosecution indicated it would rely on circumstantial evidence including phone records, cell-site data, and CCTV footage. Aaron Brady, previously convicted of murdering Detective Garda Donohoe, is serving a 40-year sentence. The trial continues before Mr Justice Tony Hunt and two other judges.
The Special Criminal Court will start a full‑day opening for the trial of Brendan Treanor and James Flynn, accused of a credit union robbery that led to the death of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe. Treanor, 34, and Flynn, 32, are charged with conspiracy to steal a car key and robbery of €7,000 at Lordship Credit Union on 25 January 2013. Aaron Brady, 31, is already serving a 40‑year sentence for Donohoe's murder and the burglary. Treanor's counsel intends to sever the conspiracy and robbery charges, a move also supported by Flynn's counsel.
A man from Castleblayney Road, Crossmaglen, Armagh has been sentenced to three years imprisonment at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for a brutal assault on his musician neighbour in November 2012. Eugene Hanratty Snr, aged 63, was convicted by jury following trial of assault causing harm at Castleblayney, County Monaghan. The court heard the victim was punched, kicked and had his arm stamped on during a sustained attack that left him with multiple broken facial bones, damaged eye sockets and permanent loss of peripheral vision. Judge Melanie Greally noted the assault was premeditated and unprovoked, with aggravating factors including its severity and the targeting of the victim's arm, knowing him to be a musician. The final year of the sentence was suspended for ten years on condition of no contact with the victim or his family. This conviction followed two previous trials, the first resulting in a disagreement and the second being discharged. Hanratty has previous convictions from 1989 and 1997 but no garda attention since the 2012 assault. Eugene Hanratty Snr pleaded not guilty.
James Flynn, 31, of Newry, Northern Ireland, was granted legal aid by the Special Criminal Court despite previously offering over £1 million in bail sureties in the UK. Ms Justice Tara Burns noted the 'odd position' of Flynn claiming to have 'absolutely nothing' after offering £185,000 in cash and a £965,000 surety to Westminster Magistrates' Court. Flynn is accused of robbing Lordship Credit Union in Bellurgan, Co Louth, in January 2013, during which Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe was murdered. He is also accused of conspiring with Aaron Brady and Brendan Treanor to steal vehicle keys. Flynn was refused bail last week due to flight risk concerns, including evidence that his father told gardai in Boston, 'the boys are gone, you will never get them.' His trial is scheduled for January. Co-accused Brendan Treanor, 34, of Dundalk, is also charged with the robbery and was refused bail in June 2022. Aaron Brady, 31, of Crossmaglen, Co Armagh, was convicted of murdering Det Gda Donohoe by an 11-to-1 jury verdict in August 2020. He was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 40 years, plus 14 years for the robbery, running concurrently. The matter regarding Flynn's legal aid was finalised, but his trial remains pending.
The Special Criminal Court has refused bail to James Flynn, who is accused of the 2013 Lordship Credit Union robbery in which Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe was murdered. Ms Justice Tara Burns, delivering the ruling of a three-judge court, determined that Flynn is a significant flight risk, noting he left the jurisdiction shortly after the alleged crime and has resided in the US, UK, and Northern Ireland since. The court cited "very concerning evidence" regarding an incident where gardai travelled to Boston for an interview with Flynn, only to be met by his father, who allegedly stated, "the boys are gone, you will never get them." The judge emphasized that while the case against Flynn is circumstantial, the prosecution's evidence is strong enough to suggest a potential for conviction. Flynn, who holds US and UK passports, was extradited from the UK after his appeal against extradition was dismissed. He faces charges of robbery and conspiracy to steal vehicle keys. Aaron Brady, who was convicted of murdering Det Gda Donohoe by an 11-to-1 jury verdict in August 2020, was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 40 years, plus a concurrent 14-year sentence for the robbery. Flynn's trial is scheduled for January next year, alongside co-accused Brendan Treanor, who was also refused bail in 2022.
Eugene Hanratty Senior, aged 63, of Castleblayney Road, Crossmaglen, Armagh, was convicted by jury at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court following trial of assault causing harm committed at Castleblayney, County Monaghan on 24 November 2012. The victim, a musician, delivered a detailed impact statement describing severe and ongoing injuries sustained during the assault, including multiple facial fractures, permanent vision loss, and facial nerve damage requiring surgical intervention. He outlined how these injuries have fundamentally impaired his ability to read musical notation and continue causing chronic pain and sensory complications. The victim's wife, who witnessed the incident, has since been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. Detective Garda evidence described a sustained attack occurring both within and outside a vehicle. Hanratty had claimed self-defence, which the jury rejected. Sentencing was adjourned to 8 November pending further garda cross-examination and mitigation submissions from the defence. The case reached verdict following two previous trials, the first resulting in disagreement and the second being discharged.
James Flynn, aged 31 and from Raven's Glen, Newry, Northern Ireland, was extradited from the UK to face a robbery charge at the Lordship Credit Union in Bellurgan, Co Louth, where Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe was murdered. The robbery, which took place on 25 January 2013, involved the theft of €7,000 from Pat Bellew's property. Flynn is also accused of conspiring with Aaron Brady, Brendan Treanor and others to enter a residential premises with the intent to steal a motor vehicle's keys between 11 September 2012 and 23 January 2013. The Director of Public Prosecutions applied to transfer the case to the non‑jury Special Criminal Court, and the three‑judge court accepted the application, adjourned the matter to 6 October 2022, and allowed the transfer. Flynn's extradition appeal was unsuccessful, and the case will now be heard at the Special Criminal Court alongside Brendan Treanor's trial.
Aaron Brady, aged 31, and Dean Byrne, aged 29, are set to stand trial at the Special Criminal Court on charges of conspiring to pervert the course of justice. They are accused of attempting to persuade State witness Daniel Cahill not to testify during Brady's 2020 murder trial for the killing of Garda Adrian Donohoe. Brady's trial, which ran from January to August 2020, saw Cahill testify that he heard Brady admit to shooting a Garda. Brady is also charged with recording a video of a witness interview and distributing it on social media, an act described by Judge Michael White as "the most outrageous contempt of court." A phone recovered from Byrne's cell yielded WhatsApp exchanges offering intimidation to Cahill. The court set a trial date for October 2, 2023, with a mention scheduled for November 7, 2023.
The Court of Appeal heard that the posting of Aaron Brady's trial transcripts on social media is being kept under review by the Director of Public Prosecutions. Aaron Brady, 31, was jailed for life for the capital murder of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe, with a minimum term of 40 years. He was also sentenced to 14 years for the robbery of €7,000 at Lordship Credit Union, a sentence running concurrently with the life term. The transcripts, from the State's longest murder trial, were posted on Facebook by his father, Tony Brady, in support of Aaron's appeal against conviction. This action contravened instructions from Mr Justice George Birmingham, who had permitted transcript release solely for the appellant's use without further distribution. At a brief hearing, Lorcan Staines SC, for the DPP, stated that nothing further was required from the court at this time and that the matter was being kept under review. Michael O'Higgins SC, for Aaron Brady, accepted that the material should not have been posted and assured the court it would be removed. The appeal against the murder conviction was lodged in October 2020.
Brendan Treanor, 34, was refused bail by the Special Criminal Court regarding charges of participating in the January 25, 2013, robbery at Lordship Credit Union in Bellurgan, Co Louth, during which Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe was shot dead. Mr Justice Michael MacGrath, delivering the ruling of the three-judge court, stated there was a real risk of witness interference and upheld a Section 2 Bail Act objection based on fears of further serious offences. Treanor's lawyers had argued that continued custody offended his dignity by separating him from his newborn son, noting his trial was adjourned from October to January next year to allow the DPP to try him alongside James Flynn. Flynn, 31, is currently awaiting an appeal against his extradition from the UK to face the same robbery charge. The report also details the finalised sentencing of Aaron Brady, 30, who was found guilty of the murder of Det Gda Donohoe by an 11-to-1 majority jury verdict at the Central Criminal Court on August 11, 2020. Brady was sentenced to the mandatory life imprisonment term, with a minimum of 40 years to be served due to the victim being a garda acting in the course of duty. He also received a concurrent 14-year sentence for the robbery of €7,000 at the credit union.
The High Court deferred judgment on a bail application for Brendan Treanor until June 24. Treanor is charged with participating in a robbery at the Lordship Credit Union, Bellurgan, Co Louth, on January 25, 2013. His counsel argued that refusing bail while his trial was delayed from October to January next year offended his client's dignity, particularly given his limited contact with his newborn son. The Director of Public Prosecutions objected to bail under Section 2(a) of the Bail Act, citing fears of further serious offences. The court ordered that details of the application not be published. Separately, Aaron Brady was found guilty of the murder of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe by an 11-to-1 majority jury verdict at the Central Criminal Court on August 11, 2020. Brady was sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 40 years, as the victim was a garda acting in the course of duty. He was also sentenced to 14 years for the robbery of €7,000 at the Lordship Credit Union, a sentence to run concurrently with the life term. James Flynn, also charged with the robbery, is awaiting an appeal against his extradition from the UK to Ireland.
In May 2022, Aaron Brady's trial transcripts were posted on Facebook by his father, Tony Brady, despite a court order prohibiting further dissemination. The Court of Appeal heard that the transcripts had been released to lawyers on both sides in July 2021, but the father had shared them online with commentary that the Director of Public Prosecutions described as "dubious" and potentially contemptuous. Lawyers for Brady acknowledged the mistake and agreed the posts would be removed by the end of the day. The case was adjourned until July 1, 2022. The matter arose after Brady, convicted of murdering Garda Adrian Donohoe in 2013, had previously released trial materials on social media as part of a campaign to free him. The court noted that Brady's appeal was pending and that the transcripts should be used only for that purpose. The incident highlighted the court's concern over the unauthorized public release of sensitive trial documents.
Aaron Brady, a former Garda convicted of murdering Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe in 2013, and Dean Byrne are to stand trial at the Special Criminal Court on charges of conspiring to pervert the course of justice during Brady's 2020 trial. Brady, aged 31, and Byrne, aged 29, are accused of attempting to persuade prosecution witness Daniel Cahill not to testify between 8 April and 22 June 2020, and of recording a video interview with Ronan Flynn that allegedly could influence the trial. The cases were moved to the Special Criminal Court after a successful application by State solicitor Susan Hudson, citing the need for a non‑jury court to secure effective administration of justice. The court, comprising Justice Tony Hunt, Judge Marie Keane and Judge Sarah Berkeley, adjourned the matter for a hearing on 2 June 2024. The trial will address the alleged conspiracy to pervert justice during Brady's murder trial.
The Special Criminal Court sentenced Daniel O'Callaghan to 10 years imprisonment for his role in a cross-border gang that stole ATMs using diggers. O'Callaghan, a former All-Ireland club winner, was convicted after a trial of 16 offences, including the attempted theft of an ATM in Virginia, Co Cavan, and possessing over €700,000 in stolen cash. He had pleaded not guilty to charges under Sections 72 and 73 of the Criminal Justice Act. Ms Justice Tara Burns set a headline sentence of 11 years, suspending the final year subject to a three-year bond to keep the peace. Sentences for other offences, ranging from three and a half to eight years, run concurrently. The court noted O'Callaghan's central role as a planner and his forensic awareness, including burning vehicles and using burner phones. Three accomplices, Stephen Duffy, Gerard Duffy, and Ciaran Duffy, were jailed last week after pleading guilty. Stephen Duffy received four years for possessing stolen cash, while Gerard and Ciaran Duffy each received seven years and nine months for the attempted ATM theft and moving cash for a criminal organisation. Gardai recovered €429,930 from a premises in Tullypole, Co Meath, which is subject to Criminal Assets Bureau proceedings.
The Special Criminal Court sentenced three Monaghan brothers to a combined 19.5 years for their roles in an ATM theft gang. Gerard Duffy (31) and Ciaran Duffy (29) each pleaded guilty to offences including attempted theft of an ATM and its contents for the benefit of a criminal organisation. Ciaran Duffy additionally pleaded guilty to moving cash and possessing cash to facilitate a criminal offence. Mr Justice Hunt identified an 11-year headline sentence for both, applied a 20% discount, and suspended the final year of each term, resulting in effective sentences of eight years and nine months. Stephen Duffy (35) pleaded guilty to possessing cash in association with a criminal organisation. Rejecting his claim of limited involvement, the judge sentenced him to four years and nine months, with the final nine months suspended. All sentences were back-dated to February 1, 2022. In a related November finalisation, Niall Finnegan (39) pleaded guilty to possessing proceeds of ATM thefts and was jailed for four-and-a-half years, with the final 18 months suspended. A fifth defendant, Daniel O'Callaghan, remains to be sentenced.
The Special Criminal Court has found Daniel O'Callaghan guilty of all 16 counts relating to ATM thefts in Cavan and Monaghan in 2019. O'Callaghan, who pleaded not guilty, was convicted of offences under Sections 72 and 73 of the Criminal Justice Act, including the attempted theft of an ATM in Virginia and the theft of an ATM in Castleblayney. He was also found guilty of possessing €125,930 and €298,000 in cash at Tullypole, Co Meath, intending to facilitate a criminal organisation. Ms Justice Tara Burns stated that circumstantial evidence led to the inevitable conclusion that O'Callaghan was intimately involved in the gang's joint enterprise. He has been remanded in custody for a sentencing hearing scheduled for March 4. In related proceedings, Gerard Duffy and Ciaran Duffy pleaded guilty to various offences, including participating in the movement of cash and attempting to steal an ATM. Stephen Duffy also admitted to possessing cash in association with a criminal organisation. The three brothers are scheduled to be sentenced on March 4. Additionally, Niall Finnegan, who pleaded guilty to possessing €103,000 in proceeds from the thefts, was previously jailed for four-and-a-half years, with the final 18 months suspended.
A 31-year-old man from County Armagh has pleaded not guilty to charges relating to a series of ATM thefts across the Border region. The accused faced the Special Criminal Court on allegations of involvement in the attempted theft of an ATM at the Riverfront Hotel in Virginia, County Cavan, in August 2019, and the theft and criminal damage of an ATM in Castleblayney, County Monaghan, in April 2019. Both alleged offences are said to have been committed for the benefit of a criminal organisation. The prosecution concluded its case, presenting evidence including DNA findings and CCTV footage of thefts at multiple locations in Cavan and Monaghan. Defence counsel indicated an intention to apply for the charges to be dismissed when proceedings resume. The trial continues before three judges at the Special Criminal Court.
The Special Criminal Court is hearing the trial of Daniel O'Callaghan, who has pleaded not guilty to all charges. He is accused of the attempted theft of an ATM at the Riverfront Hotel in Virginia, Co Cavan, on August 14, 2019, allegedly for the benefit of a criminal organisation. O'Callaghan faces multiple other allegations, including possessing a stolen Toyota Landcruiser, a stolen 14-tonne digger, and bolt-cutters with intent to steal, as well as possessing large sums of cash to facilitate serious offences. Co-accused Ciaran Duffy, who pleaded guilty to three offences connected to the same investigation, was found hiding in a hotel toilet after fleeing from gardaí. Detective Superintendent James O'Leary testified that the incident was part of an intelligence-led investigation into organised ATM thefts. The court heard that O'Callaghan is the fifth male to appear in relation to this case. The trial continues before Justice Tara Burns, sitting with Judges Sarah Berkeley and Michael Walsh.
A former All-Ireland club football champion has pleaded not guilty to 17 charges arising from a series of ATM thefts across the Meath and Cavan region. Daniel O'Callaghan (31), with an address in Co Armagh, denies involvement in the alleged criminal enterprise. His trial began at the Special Criminal Court, a three-judge non-jury forum. The prosecution alleges that Mr O'Callaghan was part of a gang that stole ATMs using consistent methods between December 2018 and August 2019. A planned theft at Virginia in Co Cavan was disrupted by gardaí on 14 August 2019. The prosecution claims gardaí observed Mr O'Callaghan emerge from a stolen vehicle near the Riverfront Bar and flee into a field. Charges include the attempted theft at Virginia, possession of stolen vehicles and equipment, and handling cash totalling over €400,000 recovered at a premises in Co Meath. Mr O'Callaghan also faces allegations of facilitating criminal organisation activity. The trial continues before Justice Tara Burns, Judge Sarah Berkeley, and Judge Michael Walsh.
Brendan 'Benny' Treanor (34) of Dundalk, Co Louth, appeared at the Special Criminal Court to be charged with two offences relating to the January 23, 2013, robbery at Lordship Credit Union in Bellurgan, Co Louth, during which Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe was shot dead. Treanor is accused of entering residential premises as trespassers with the intention of stealing vehicle keys, contrary to Common Law, and robbing Pat Bellew of approximately €7,000 in cash and cheques, contrary to Section 14 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001. The court heard that a co-accused male is currently in custody in the UK, with an international warrant issued for his presence in Ireland. Defence counsel indicated a potential application regarding the court's jurisdiction and estimated the trial could last up to four months. The prosecution requested a 2022 trial date due to the volume of material. Presiding Judge Tony Hunt fixed October 3, 2022, as the trial date and December 21, 2021, for a progress mention. Separately, Aaron Brady (30) of Crossmaglen, Co Armagh, was previously sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Det Gda Donohoe, a case that lasted 122 court days.
In a speech at the Central Criminal Court on 13 September 2021, Mr Justice Paul McDermott warned that barristers must notify the court in writing if a trial is expected to last more than three weeks. He said that without a written memo explaining the reasons for the delay and the required duration, a trial longer than three weeks will not receive a trial date. McDermott also said that the court will not tolerate significant overruns beyond the estimated time. He added that jurors should be informed of the expected length of the trial and that, in some cases, 15 jurors may be enlisted to cover for those who cannot continue. The judge cited the collapse of the Bray Boxing Club murder trial, where a 34‑year‑old defendant, Gerard Cervi, faced delays and a jury that was unable to finish the trial due to health and procedural issues. Gerard Cervi pleaded not guilty.
The Central Criminal Court is set to resume with several high-profile matters, including the appeal of Aaron Brady. Brady, 30, was convicted by an 11-to-1 majority jury verdict for the murder of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe in January 2013. He was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 40 years, plus a concurrent 14-year sentence for robbery. His appeal is expected in 2022. Other upcoming trials include that of Sameer Syed, 37, accused of murdering his wife Seema Banu and their two children in Rathfarnham in October 2021; his trial is scheduled for June 15, 2022. Michael Scott, 55, faces trial on January 11, 2022, for the alleged murder of Chrissie Treacy in Portumna in 2018. Stephen Silver, 44, is charged with the murder of Garda Colm Horkan in Castlerea in June 2020; his trial is also set for June 15, 2022. Additionally, an appeal by Boy B regarding the 2018 murder of Ana Kriegel is expected before the Court of Appeal. Boy B and Boy A were found guilty in 2019; both were 13 at the time, denied the offences, and were remanded to Oberstown Detention Centre.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) expressed concern that a campaign supporting Aaron Brady, who murdered Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe, had posted trial transcripts and other materials on social media, accompanied by commentary that could amount to contempt of court. At a brief hearing in the Court of Appeal, Brendan Grehan SC for the DPP requested an order that the transcripts released for Brady's upcoming appeal be used only for that purpose and not distributed further. Grehan noted that the campaign had promised in January that transcripts would be made available to anyone, which the DPP feared could undermine the appeal process. Michael O'Higgins SC for Brady argued that neither Brady nor the defence lawyers would provide the transcripts to anyone. Aaron Brady was found guilty.
At the Special Criminal Court, books of evidence were served on five men accused of ATM thefts and related offences in Cavan and Monaghan. The accused are Daniel O'Callaghan, Ciaran Duffy, Gerard Duffy, Niall Finnegan, and Stephen Duffy. O'Callaghan, a former Crossmaglen footballer, is charged with the attempted theft of an ATM at the Riverfront Hotel in Virginia, Co Cavan, on August 14, 2019, allegedly for the benefit of a criminal organisation. He also faces charges of theft and criminal damage involving an ATM in Castleblayney, Co Monaghan, in April 2019. Additionally, he is accused of possessing €298,000, a petrol can, a stolen Toyota Landcruiser, a stolen 14-tonne digger, bolt-cutters, and a stolen flatbed trailer. Ciaran and Gerard Duffy are charged with participating in the movement and possession of cash to facilitate a criminal organisation, as well as the attempted ATM thefts in Virginia and Castleblayney. They are also accused of possessing the stolen digger, trailer, Landcruiser, bolt-cutters, and petrol can, and handling sums of €280,900, €103,930, and €22,000. Niall Finnegan and Stephen Duffy are accused of participating in the movement of and handling €103,930. All charges are alleged or contested. Mr Justice Tony Hunt, sitting with Judges Sarah Berkeley and Michael Walsh, remanded all five men on continuing bail until February 1, when their cases are listed for mention again.
During the High Court hearing on 24 November 2020, Mr Justice Michael White sentenced Colin Hoey, aged 30, to 21 days' imprisonment and a €2,000 fine for contempt of court after Hoey failed to attend a witness order in the Aaron Brady murder trial. Hoey had initially supplied an alibi for Brady but later withdrew it. He was jailed for not appearing at the Central Criminal Court on 4 March 2020, despite a bench warrant issued on 5 March. Hoey had presented himself at the Criminal Courts of Justice on 5 October 2020 to execute the warrant. The judge noted that Hoey was a "very decent young man" from a "very decent family" who had been caught up in a "very difficult situation" and that his failure to comply with the witness order was a serious matter. The sentence was imposed to reflect the seriousness of the contempt offence. Colin Hoey pleaded guilty. Aaron Brady pleaded guilty and was found guilty.
Five men, including a former All-Ireland club footballer, have been charged with a combined 38 new offences at the Special Criminal Court relating to alleged ATM thefts across Cavan and Monaghan. Daniel O'Callaghan, aged 30, a former Crossmaglen player, faces charges concerning an attempted ATM theft in Virginia in August 2019 and a criminal damage and theft matter in Castleblayney in April 2019, both allegedly connected to organised crime. He is also charged with possession of cash and stolen vehicles, including a digger and flatbed trailer. Three brothers—Ciaran Duffy, aged 26, Gerard Duffy, aged 29, and Stephen Duffy, aged 34—alongside Niall Finnegan, aged 38, have been charged with related offences including handling money, possession of stolen property, and facilitating organised crime. All five accused have been released on bail pending further proceedings.
Aaron Brady has been sentenced to life imprisonment at the Central Criminal Court for the capital murder of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe in January 2013. Brady, aged twenty-nine and from New Road in Crossmaglen, County Armagh, was convicted in August following a trial lasting more than six months. Under the Criminal Justice Act 1990, he must serve a minimum of forty years before becoming eligible for parole. Justice Michael White imposed an additional concurrent sentence of fourteen years for robbery in connection with the credit union raid in County Louth, during which seven thousand euros was stolen in fifty-eight seconds. The court heard victim impact statements from Detective Donohoe's family and colleagues. Brady has maintained his innocence despite conviction, with supporters gathering outside the Courts of Criminal Justice to protest the outcome.
Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe was shot dead during a robbery at Lordship Credit Union on 25 January 2013. Aaron Brady, 28, was convicted of capital murder and robbery of €7,000. Brady faces a mandatory life sentence with a minimum of 40 years for the murder. Mr Justice Michael White is hearing evidence and will prepare a sentence for the robbery. Donohoe's parents, Hugh and Peggy, said his death was a waste of a good man and expressed their grief at the hearing.
Aaron Brady, aged 29 and last resident of New Road, Crossmaglen, Co Armagh, was found guilty of the capital murder of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe by an 11‑to‑one jury verdict on 11 August. He is expected to receive the mandatory life sentence for capital murder, with a minimum term of 40 years to be served. Brady also pleaded guilty to a separate robbery of €7,000 at Lordship Credit Union in Bellurgen, Co Louth, on 25 January 2013, and will be sentenced for that offence separately. On 13 October, special arrangements were made for the sentencing hearing at the Central Criminal Court. Lorcan Staines SC, on behalf of the DPP, applied for an overflow court; the judge, Mr Justice Michael White, granted the request and scheduled the hearing in Court 17 with a live feed to a second court in the Criminal Courts of Justice.
Colin Hoey, a key witness in the capital murder trial of Aaron Brady, was arrested for contempt of court after failing to attend proceedings. Brady, 29, was found guilty by an 11-to-1 majority jury at the Central Criminal Court on August 11 of the capital murder of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe. He is expected to be sentenced on October 14 to the mandatory term of life imprisonment with a minimum of 40 years. Brady was also convicted of involvement in a €7,000 robbery at Lordship Credit Union in 2013. Hoey, who had previously provided and then withdrawn an alibi for Brady, was issued a bench warrant by Mr Justice Michael White for his non-attendance. Hoey presented himself at the Criminal Courts of Justice, where the warrant was executed. The DPP stated the contempt is punishable by imprisonment, a fine, or both. Mr Justice White granted Hoey bail and legal aid for the duration of the contempt proceedings. Bail conditions include a €2,000 bond, surrender of his Irish passport within 24 hours, residing at his partner's parents' home in Dundalk, daily sign-on at Dundalk Garda Station, and maintaining a mobile phone for Garda contact. The judge warned of grave consequences for breaching these conditions. The matter was adjourned to November 24 for submissions regarding the High Court's jurisdiction.
A man with three All Ireland Club Championship medals with Crossmaglen Rangers has been granted bail by the Special Criminal Court on charges relating to ATM thefts in the border region. Daniel O'Callaghan, aged 30, faces five offences including the theft of an ATM in Castleblayney, Co Monaghan, in April 2019 and the attempted theft of an ATM at The Riverfront Hotel in Virginia, Co Cavan, in August 2019. He is also charged with offences under the Criminal Justice Act alleging involvement with a criminal organisation. Bail was set at €1,000 cash and independent sureties totalling €40,000. Mr O'Callaghan must reside in Castleblayney, surrender his passport, sign on daily at the local garda station, observe a nightly curfew, and comply with restrictions on travel and association. He has been remanded in custody with consent to bail until November 2. Three other men have previously been granted bail in connection with the same investigations.
Daniel O'Callaghan (30) appeared before the Special Criminal Court charged with five offences relating to the theft of an ATM in Castleblayney, Co Monaghan, in April and the attempted theft of an ATM in Virginia, Co Cavan, in August. He is alleged to have committed these offences for the benefit of, at the direction of, or in association with a criminal organisation. O'Callaghan is also charged with offences under Sections 72 and 73 of the Criminal Justice Act. Presiding judge Ms Justice Tara Burns remanded O'Callaghan in custody until Monday, to allow for gardaí to carry out inquiries regarding the surety. Michael O'Donovan is also charged with the attempted theft of the ATM at The Riverfront Hotel, Main Street, Virginia Co Cavan, on August 14, 2019, for the benefit of, at the direction of, or in association with a criminal organisation. The matter was adjourned and never described as concluded or finalised.
Aaron Brady, 29, was found guilty of capital murder of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe by an 11‑to‑1 jury at the Central Criminal Court. The judge will impose a life sentence with a minimum of 40 years. Brady denied the murder and claimed no involvement in the robbery that led to Donohoe's death. The prosecution relied on circumstantial evidence, including the theft of a Volkswagen Passat used as a getaway car and Brady's alleged statements to Gardaí. Brady's defence argued he was loading diesel waste and had no role in the robbery. The trial, the longest murder case in Irish history, involved 139 witnesses over 28 weeks. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for 14 October, where the judge will also consider Brady's robbery conviction. The maximum sentence for robbery is life, with a minimum of 40 years for capital murder.
Aaron Brady, aged 29, was found guilty of robbery in the January 25, 2013, Lordship Credit Union heist that resulted in the death of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe. The jury, after 12 hours and 35 minutes of deliberation, reached a unanimous verdict of robbery. Brady denied involvement in the robbery and pleaded not guilty to the capital murder charge. The trial heard that four men entered the credit union car park, and the prosecution alleged Brady fired a single fatal shot. Brady claimed he was at a diesel laundering yard on Concession Road at the time. The judge explained that for a capital murder conviction, it must be proven beyond reasonable doubt that Brady was the shooter and that he knew he was shooting a Garda or was reckless about it. If the jury is not satisfied with the capital murder evidence, they could find him guilty of murder or manslaughter.
A jury will return to the Central Criminal Court on Monday to continue deliberations in the trial of Aaron Brady, accused of murdering Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe during a 2013 credit union raid. The jury, consisting of five men and seven women, has spent over six hours across three days considering their verdicts, having first heard evidence in January. Mr Justice Michael White formally suspended their deliberations, urging them not to discuss the case or consult social media, and advised them to relax. Brady, 29, pleaded not guilty to both the capital murder of Donohoe and a robbery charge involving approximately €7,000 in cash and cheques. The judge instructed the jury to first consider the robbery charge, noting that a not‑guilty verdict on robbery would logically preclude a murder conviction. He explained that if the jury finds Brady guilty of robbery, they must then consider the capital murder charge, which is "tricky" due to multiple possible verdicts.
In the Aaron Brady trial, Mr Justice Michael White warned the jury that the evidence of a woman, Molly Staunton, who claimed Brady admitted shooting a Garda, might be dangerous to rely on. Staunton gave her testimony via video link from New York, during which an unseen man interrupted her twice, once when the jury was not present. The judge noted the man's disruptive behaviour and Staunton's refusal to comply with his demands. White also described Daniel Cahill, a prosecution witness who said Brady admitted killing a Garda on three occasions, as "the most controversial prosecution witness" and suggested Cahill might have motives to fabricate statements. Brady, aged 29, pleaded not guilty to the capital murder of Det Gda Adrian Donohoe and to a robbery charge. The jury, now 12 members, will begin deliberations tomorrow after the judge's final instructions.
In the Central Criminal Court, Aaron Brady, 29, pleaded not guilty to the capital murder of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe and to a robbery charge. Defence counsel Michael O'Higgins SC told the jury that Brady did not shoot Donohoe and was not involved in the robbery. He argued that if the jury believes Brady was the gunman, they should consider that a warning shot could constitute manslaughter rather than murder. O'Higgins highlighted inconsistencies in witness testimony, questioned the reliability of CCTV evidence, and criticised the Garda investigation for not following up on diesel‑laundering allegations. He urged jurors to assess whether the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, noting that a manslaughter verdict was possible but unusual. The judge acknowledged the possibility of a manslaughter verdict but left the decision to the jury. The case remains at the jury's deliberation stage.
In the Special Criminal Court, defence counsel Michael O'Higgins SC argued that Daniel Cahill, the key witness in Aaron Brady's murder trial, may have had motives to fabricate his testimony. O'Higgins highlighted Cahill's claims of hearing Brady admit to killing Garda Adrian Donohoe, Cahill's alleged encounters with Homeland Security, and the lack of any subsequent police action against Cahill despite drug findings. He questioned the credibility of Cahill's statements, noting inconsistencies and the absence of corroborating evidence from Garda investigations. O'Higgins also criticized the Garda investigation for allegedly overlooking evidence of diesel laundering linked to Brady, citing text messages and phone contacts. The counsel urged the jury to scrutinise Cahill's testimony and the prosecution's evidence before drawing conclusions. The trial remains ongoing. Aaron Brady pleaded not guilty.
In the Central Criminal Court, the prosecution argued that Aaron Brady, 29, used the murder of Garda Adrian Donohoe as a badge of honour after moving to America, believing he was beyond the law. They described Brady as a skilled liar who repeatedly told false statements to Gardaí and the jury, claiming he was a victim of a Garda campaign. Brady's defence was that he was under financial pressure and that the robbery at Lordship Credit Union was a base criminal motive. The prosecution presented circumstantial evidence, including CCTV of a stolen Volkswagen Passat and alleged phone inactivity, to link Brady to the crime. They also highlighted Brady's alleged statements to witnesses and his alibi. The case centred on proving that Brady shot Donohoe knowing he was a Garda, with the prosecution presenting forensic and witness testimony to support this claim. Aaron Brady pleaded not guilty.
In the trial of Aaron Brady, accused of murdering Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe, the jury will hear the prosecution's closing speech on Friday, almost six months after the trial began. Judge Michael White informed the six men and seven women that the case is entering its final phase, where they will decide the facts. He thanked the jurors for their "exceptional patience and tolerance" and explained that they will hear from the prosecution and defence counsel, after which the judge will explain the law and summarise the evidence. Brady, 29, pleaded not guilty to the capital murder of Donohoe and to a charge of robbing about €7,000 in cash and cheques on the same day. During the final day of evidence, prosecution counsel Brendan Grehan SC called Inspector John Moroney to respond to Brady's claim that Moroney had acted out of malice or was mistaken.
The trial of Aaron Brady, 29, from Crossmaglen, Co Armagh, continued before Mr Justice Michael White and a jury. Mr Brady has pleaded not guilty to the alleged capital murder of Det Gda Adrian Donohoe, who was on active duty, and the alleged robbery of approximately €7,000 in cash and cheques, both occurring on January 25, 2013, at Lordship Credit Union, Bellurgan, Co Louth. US immigration expert Kerry Bretz testified that it is "very unusual" for Homeland Security to take no action against a visa overstayer. He stated that while Homeland Security has discretion, it is "highly unlikely" they would release a detained overstayer to file an application later, a practice he has never encountered in nearly 30 years. The expert noted that officers often use immigration violations as "leverage" to secure cooperation from vulnerable individuals. Prosecution counsel Brendan Grehan SC suggested that Homeland Security's assistance to An Garda Síochána in the murder investigation provided ample reason for such discretion. Mr Bretz acknowledged this was possible. The defence evidence continues tomorrow.
In the Central Criminal Court, Aaron Brady, 29, accused of capital murder and robbery, waived solicitor‑client privilege and gave a voluntary statement. His former solicitor, Daniel McNamee, testified that Brady had been advised not to testify if he had any involvement in the robbery and fatal shooting. McNamee explained that a witness statement does not carry the same legal protection as a suspect. Brady had previously told McNamee that he was loading diesel waste at a yard in Cullaville on the evening of the murder, but later claimed the forklift started and he spent 90 minutes to two hours loading diesel. Brady's statements to Gardaí on 5 and 6 February 2013 were voluntary. The trial, before Mr Justice Michael White and a 13‑person jury, continues with Brady pleading not guilty to both the capital murder of Garda Adrian Donohoe and the robbery of €7,000 in cash and cheques.
Aaron Brady, 29, accused of murdering Garda Adrian Donohoe, rejected the prosecution's suggestion that he is a psychopath. During his final day of evidence, Brady denied the claim, stating that the alleged psychopath was Daniel Cahill, who he said had assaulted him and threatened to cut off his toes. Brady maintained that he had never threatened anyone or entered a room to threaten a person. He pleaded not guilty to the capital murder and to a robbery charge of about €7,000 at Lordship Credit Union. Brady also discussed his alibi submissions, his interactions with Gardaí in February 2018, and his statements about diesel laundering. He denied any admission of murder or other wrongdoing, and the trial was set to continue before Mr Justice Michael White with a jury of thirteen.
During his Central Criminal Court trial, Aaron Brady, aged 29, denied being able to identify the accents of the robbers from an audio recording taken at the scene of the fatal robbery that killed Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe. Brady listened to the dashcam audio, which included a shout of "Give me the fucking bag, give me the fucking money," but he said he could not recognise the accents and described the recording as "very blurry." He also denied stealing a car that the prosecution alleged was used in the robbery and rejected a suggestion that a suspect's car had driven by Lordship Credit Union earlier that day as part of a "drive‑by" in advance of the robbery. Brady, who has pleaded not guilty to the capital murder of Donohoe and to the robbery charge, was questioned about his movements on the day of the robbery, his mobile phone activity, and his interactions with other suspects.
During his second day of cross‑examination at the Central Criminal Court, Aaron Brady, aged 29, denied any involvement in the murder of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe or the robbery of €7,000 at Lordship Credit Union. He argued that a wealthy suspect, referred to as Suspect A, who owns a house since age 18 and earns a six‑figure income in America, would have no motive to commit armed robbery. Brady denied that he, Suspect A, or a friend stole a Volkswagen Passat in 2013, and said he could not recall a conversation with former girlfriend Jessica King about a car theft. He admitted lying to Gardaí about his movements on the night of the robbery to conceal his diesel‑laundering activities, but insisted he had not provided an alibi for Suspect A. Brady pleaded not guilty to the capital murder and the robbery charge. The trial will continue before Mr Justice Michael White and a jury.
Aaron Brady, aged 29, pleaded not guilty to the capital murder of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe and to a robbery charge. During his trial he claimed he was a victim of media and Garda scrutiny, saying he was "ganged up" on after lying to Gardaí about his movements. Brady denied any role in the robbery that led to Donohoe's death, insisting his lies were only to conceal involvement in illegal diesel laundering. He admitted the first time the Director of Public Prosecutions learned of his alibi was in December of the previous year. Brady also disputed testimony from witnesses Molly Staunton and Daniel Cahill, calling Cahill a "psychopathic, pathological liar," and accused Sergeant John Moroney of lying. He maintained he was not involved in the shooting and that his statements were truthful under oath. The cross‑examination continued before Mr Justice Michael White and a jury of six men and seven women.