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.
Niall Finnegan, 39, of Cherry Grove, Cullyhanna, pleaded guilty at the Special Criminal Court to possessing or handling more than €100,000 of stolen ATM cash. The offence occurred on 20 August 2019 at The Yard, Tullypole, Moynalty, Co Meath, where he had the money for the benefit of, or at the direction of, or in association with, a criminal organisation. The court also considered a second count of handling or possessing €103,930, knowing or being reckless about its criminal provenance, and a third count for aiding the movement of cash in a Toyota Avensis to facilitate a serious offence by the same organisation. Finnegan's bail conditions were relaxed to a single daily sign‑on, a two‑week holiday in August, and removal of his curfew. He remains remanded until a sentencing hearing on 5 October.
The trial of businessman Jim Mansfield Jnr (54) was adjourned at the Special Criminal Court until October. Mansfield, of Saggart, Co Dublin, pleaded not guilty to conspiring to falsely imprison Martin Byrne and attempting to pervert the course of justice by directing Patrick Byrne to destroy CCTV footage. The matter was adjourned after Garda evidence regarding exhibits was heard. Previously, Dessie O'Hare (64) pleaded guilty to falsely imprisoning Byrne and assaulting John Roche. He was sentenced to ten years in prison with three years suspended for the false imprisonment and three years for the assault. Christopher Maguire (41) pleaded guilty to falsely imprisoning Lisa Byrne and received a three-year suspended sentence. Declan 'Whacker' Duffy (46) was also sentenced to six years for false imprisonment. Martin Byrne, who testified that Mansfield was present when he was taken prisoner, is currently in the Witness Protection Programme.
Former INLA member Dessie O'Hare, known as "The Border Fox," withdrew his appeal against the severity of his sentence at the Court of Appeal. O'Hare, of County Armagh, was jailed in 2019 by the Special Criminal Court for seven years for falsely imprisoning a family and leading a violent attack. He pleaded guilty to assaulting John Roche and falsely imprisoning Martin Byrne at Rathcoole and Saggart on June 9, 2015. The court sentenced him to three years for the assault and ten years for the imprisonment, with the final three years suspended for life; the sentences run concurrently. A previous appeal hearing was adjourned after O'Hare dismissed his lawyers. During today's hearing, Justice George Birmingham warned that the court could increase his sentence, noting his 1988 conviction for kidnapping Dr. John O'Grady, for which he received 40 years before release under the Good Friday Agreement. Counsel argued O'Hare was being punished for past sins, citing co-accused Declan "Whacker" Duffy, who received six years in 2018 for similar offences. After Justice Birmingham indicated the appeal was unlikely to succeed, O'Hare instructed his barrister to withdraw the appeal. The matter was adjourned following the withdrawal, and the original sentence stands.
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, closing arguments concluded in the trial of two men charged with offences arising from an assault on a Mayo businessman in County Louth in December 2017. Thomas McGuinness and William Twomey deny falsely imprisoning, assaulting, and robbing the victim, as well as demanding money with menaces. The prosecution alleged the businessman was lured to a remote location under false pretences and attacked with iron bars by men demanding £50,000. The defence submitted that Mr McGuinness should be acquitted, arguing the prosecution lacked core evidence and that Mr Twomey had withdrawn from the scheme before the assault occurred. The defence contended Mr Twomey had expressed concerns about the plan's escalation and warned gardaí of potential danger to the victim. A third man, Anthony Finglas, was previously convicted and sentenced to four years and nine months for demanding money with menaces. Closing arguments for the second defendant are to follow.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, Asta Dauksiene, wife of Edmundas Dauksa, testified that her husband was deeply devoted to his daughter, describing him as "completely destroyed" after the court placed the child in the deceased's custody. Dauksiene recounted that the child had been in the family's care since infancy, with the mother, Ingrida Maciokaite, returning to work and allowing the child to stay with the family. She detailed the court's abnormal and accelerated decision to transfer custody days before the September 18, 2018, murder. Dauksiene also described Dauksa's emotional state, noting he was upset, crying, and later appeared to have a knife in his hand. The trial, with Dauksa pleading not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, continues before Mr Justice Paul McDermott and a jury.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, William Twomey (56) and Thomas McGuinness (33) were charged with four non‑scheduled offences against Edward McAndrew. The prosecution alleged that on 2 December 2017, Twomey and McGuinness lured McAndrew to a remote site at One Ferry Hill, Cornamucklagh, Louth, where they beat him with iron bars, threatened him, and placed him in a car boot. They demanded €50,000 and robbed him of keys, money, a travel bag, a wallet, a briefcase, two mobile phones and an Irish passport. McAndrew was also alleged to have been falsely imprisoned. The court heard evidence that Twomey sent fraudulent emails to McAndrew, that McGuinness drove him to the attack, and that items taken from McAndrew were found in Twomey's possession. McAndrew was to give evidence of the assault, injuries and medical treatment he received. The trial was set to resume with three judges presiding. William Twomey pleaded not guilty. Thomas McGuinness pleaded not guilty.
The Court of Appeal has adjourned the sentencing appeal of Dessie O'Hare, a former INLA member known as "The Border Fox." Mr Justice George Birmingham agreed to the adjournment, noting there is "no particular urgency" as O'Hare's sentence is not due to expire soon. The judge stated he "wouldn't expect an early release" even if the appeal succeeded. O'Hare, of County Armagh, was jailed in 2019 by the Special Criminal Court for seven years for falsely imprisoning a family and leading a violent attack. He pleaded guilty to assaulting John Roche and falsely imprisoning Martin Byrne at Rathcoole and Saggart on June 9, 2015. The court also considered two counts of falsely imprisoning Mr Byrne's wife and son. O'Hare received three years for the assault and ten years for the false imprisonment, with the final three years suspended for life; the sentences run concurrently. The judge noted O'Hare's threat to society had not abated. A previous appeal hearing was adjourned after O'Hare dismissed his lawyers. He is currently unable to consult his legal team while in prison. O'Hare previously served 40 years for the 1987 kidnapping of Dr John O'Grady, from which he was released in 2006 under the Good Friday Agreement.
Aaron Brady was convicted of the murder of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe, who was shot during an armed robbery at Lordship Credit Union in County Louth on 25 January 2013. An investigation spanning several years culminated in Brady's trial, where the prosecution presented extensive circumstantial evidence linking him to the crime. This included CCTV footage connecting Brady to a stolen Volkswagen Passat used in the raid, phone records showing his movements, and witness testimony placing him in the vicinity. Brady's own statements to gardaí contained multiple falsehoods about his whereabouts that night. The investigation also revealed Brady had later made incriminating admissions whilst living abroad, boasting about shooting a police officer. The jury found Brady guilty of the murder. The case was handled by Dundalk District Court and involved cooperation between Irish and Northern Irish police services.
During the capital murder trial of Aaron Brady, a video of a witness telling Gardaí that he heard Brady admit to shooting a cop was circulated on social media. The judge, Mr Justice Michael White, described the dissemination as "the most outrageous contempt of court" he had ever seen and noted he was powerless to prevent it. The video was posted on WhatsApp, YouTube and Facebook, with the latter two platforms deleting it after it was shared. The case was marked by intimidation and interference: witnesses and their families received threats, including a death threat to Molly Staunton via Snapchat after her testimony. Five witnesses who had given Gardaí statements failed to appear in court or claimed their statements were inaccurate. The prosecution counsel, Brendan Grehan SC, warned that the WhatsApp message was part of a campaign to disrupt the trial and prevent witnesses from testifying.
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.
Former INLA member Dessie O'Hare, known as "The Border Fox", has dismissed his legal team ahead of his appeal against the severity of his seven-year sentence. O'Hare, of Newtownhamilton, County Armagh, was jailed by the Special Criminal Court last year for falsely imprisoning a family and leading a violent attack. He pleaded guilty to assaulting John Roche and falsely imprisoning Martin Byrne at Rathcoole and Saggart on June 9, 2015. The court also considered counts regarding Byrne's wife and son. O'Hare received three years for the assault and ten years, with three suspended for life, for the false imprisonment, with sentences running concurrently. In a remote hearing before the Court of Appeal, new counsel Patrick Jackson BL and Dominic McGinn SC, representing Ferry Solicitors, stated they could not proceed on the originally scheduled Monday date. The DPP opposed the delay, but President Mr Justice George Birmingham permitted the change of solicitor, noting no prejudice to the prosecution. The appeal, which cites a lack of parity with former paramilitary Declan "Whacker" Duffy—who received six years for similar offences in 2018—was adjourned. The Court of Appeal fixed January 22 as the new hearing date for the appeal against the sentence.
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.
Martin Byrne, a witness in the trial of Jim Mansfield Jnr, has denied claims by the defence that he cannot keep his story consistent and that he puts people in and out of meetings 'willy nilly'. Byrne, who is now in the Witness Protection Programme, testified that he was falsely imprisoned by a gang of seven men, including former INLA member Dessie O'Hare and former Republican paramilitary Declan 'Whacker' Duffy. The trial, which is in the sentence stage, continues before a three-judge court. Mansfield Jnr has pleaded not guilty to all charges, including conspiring to falsely imprison Byrne and attempting to pervert the course of justice. In April 2019, Dessie O'Hare was jailed for three years for assaulting John Roche and ten years with three suspended for the rest of his life for falsely imprisoning Martin Byrne. In 2018, Declan 'Whacker' Duffy was sentenced to six years imprisonment for assaulting John Roche and falsely imprisoning Martin Byrne. The trial continues tomorrow.
At the Special Criminal Court, Martin Byrne (53), a former in-house security director of the Citywest Hotel and currently in the Witness Protection Programme, denied allegations that he likes to make himself look important or enjoys 'a bit of grandiosity' during cross-examination by defence counsel Bernard Condon SC. Byrne testified that Jim Mansfield Jnr (53) arranged meetings with the New IRA and INLA to assist in reclaiming parts of his family's former property portfolio. He also stated that €2,500 in protection money was being paid weekly to the Real IRA to protect Mansfield Jnr from Traveller gangs. Byrne claimed that Mansfield Jnr was aware of the dangers involved but was determined to recover his property. Mansfield Jnr is accused of conspiring to falsely imprison Byrne between January 1, 2015, and June 30, 2015, and of attempting to pervert the course of justice by directing Patrick Byrne to destroy CCTV footage. The trial continues. In April 2019, Former INLA man Dessie O'Hare was jailed for three years for assaulting John Roche and ten years with three suspended for the rest of his life for falsely imprisoning Martin Byrne. Former Republican paramilitary Declan 'Whacker' Duffy was sentenced to six years in 2018 after pleading guilty to assaulting John Roche and falsely imprisoning Martin Byrne at Rathcoole and Saggart on June 9, 2015.
Jim Mansfield Jnr is on trial at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin, charged with conspiracy to commit false imprisonment and attempting to pervert the course of justice five years ago. The accused is alleged to have conspired with one or more persons to falsely imprison Martin Byrne on a date unknown between January 1, 2015 and June 30, 2015, both dates inclusive. He is also charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice by directing Patrick Byrne to destroy recorded CCTV footage, with the alleged intention of perverting the course of public justice in relation to the false imprisonment of Martin Byrne at Finnstown House Hotel, Newcastle Road, Lucan, Co Dublin between June 9, 2015 and June 12, 2015. Mr Mansfield has pleaded not guilty to both counts on the indictment. Martin Byrne, who is now in the Witness Protection Programme, testified that he arranged meetings with the New IRA and the INLA to assist Mr Mansfield in getting back parts of his family's former property portfolio. He also stated that he believed Mr Mansfield had set him up and tried to confront him but was grabbed from behind and pushed into a waiting car. The trial continues on Monday before Mr Justice Alexander Owens presiding, sitting with Judge Sinead Ni Chulachain and Judge James Faughnan. Former INLA man Dessie O'Hare was jailed by the Special Criminal Court for three years for assaulting John Roche and ten years with three suspended for the rest of his life for falsely imprisoning Martin Byrne. Former Republican paramilitary Declan "Whacker" Duffy was sentenced by the Special Criminal Court to six years imprisonment in 2018 after pleading guilty to assaulting John Roche, causing him harm, at The Towers, Garter Lane, Saggart, County Dublin on June 9, 2015.
Businessman Jim Mansfield Jnr is on trial at the Special Criminal Court, charged with conspiracy to commit false imprisonment and attempting to pervert the course of justice. He has pleaded not guilty to both counts. The prosecution alleges that on June 9, 2015, Mansfield effectively delivered his longtime employee, Martin Byrne, into the arms of a group of men who falsely imprisoned Byrne and his family. The State claims Mansfield directed Byrne to a meeting at Keatings Park where he was confronted by Dessie O'Hare and Declan Duffy, after which Byrne was restrained by seven men and taken to The Towers in Saggart. The second count alleges Mansfield instructed Patrick Byrne to destroy CCTV footage from Finnstown House Hotel to pervert justice. The trial continues before Mr Justice Alexander Owens, sitting with Judges Sinead Ni Chulachain and James Faughnan. In related matters, former INLA member Dessie O'Hare was sentenced in April 2019 to three years for assaulting John Roche and ten years, with three suspended for life, for falsely imprisoning Martin Byrne. Former Republican paramilitary Declan Duffy was sentenced in 2018 to six years imprisonment after pleading guilty to assaulting John Roche and falsely imprisoning Martin Byrne on the same date.
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.
Thomas McCabe, 56, who was convicted in 1990 of murdering 16‑year‑old Richard Hunt in London, voluntarily surrendered to Northern Irish authorities after two years on the run. He had been released on licence in December 2008, but his licence was revoked in January 2018 following breaches. In August, Gardaí arrested him in Dublin under a European Arrest Warrant issued by Laganside Courts. McCabe gave evidence before Mr Justice Paul Burns, consenting to serve the remainder of his life sentence in Northern Ireland. Mr Burns remanded him in custody, to be surrendered in less than ten days, for licence breaches that involved leaving the jurisdiction without notifying Northern authorities. McCabe expressed concerns about his safety in prison, seeking assurance that he would be kept apart from the general prison population. The case highlights the ongoing enforcement of licence conditions and the handling of a convicted murderer who had absconded from the jurisdiction.
The High Court heard that Thomas McCabe, convicted in London in October 1990 for the murder of 16-year-old Richard Hunt, has indicated a willingness to consent to his surrender to Northern Ireland authorities. McCabe, who was sentenced to life imprisonment for attacking Hunt with a scaffolding pole, had been released on licence from Maghaberry Prison but had his licence revoked in January 2018 following breaches. He was arrested by gardaí in August on a European Arrest Warrant issued by the PSNI after absconding for two years. Counsel Mr Kieran Kelly stated that McCabe seeks assurances he will be kept separate from the general prison population due to safety concerns, including potential implications in a gang-related incident. Mr Justice Paul Burns noted that Northern Ireland authorities already have an obligation regarding McCabe's safety and expressed a preference to determine the matter immediately. However, acknowledging that an agreement to surrender might be reached within two weeks, the judge adjourned the proceedings until October 28. The State solicitor sought an explicit statement of consent, while counsel for McCabe requested correspondence with prison authorities to facilitate his separation from the mainstream population. The matter was adjourned, not concluded, to allow for these discussions.
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.
An application to set aside alleged asset transfers involving Michael Colm Murphy, a discharged bankrupt, has been admitted to the fast-track Commercial Court list. The court heard that the transfers were made by Murphy to his former wife Anne Murphy and sister-in-law Rita Hoey. The Deputy Official Assignee Denis Ryan claims the transfers were an attempt to frustrate Murphy's creditors, including 12 family members of the victims of the 1998 Omagh bombing. The Official Assignee, represented by Edward Farrelly SC, alleges that five asset transfers, including property, were made when civil and criminal proceedings were pending against Murphy for his alleged role in the atrocity carried out by the Real IRA. Murphy was cleared of all criminal charges in connection with the bombing, having been previously convicted in 2002, which was later overturned on appeal. In 2013, Murphy was found civilly liable for the bombing along with three other men, and ordered to pay £1.6m in damages to the victims' families. Bankruptcy proceedings were taken against Murphy, Michael McKevitt, and Liam Campbell, who were all adjudicated as bankrupt last year. The transfers, which include Murphy's family home, shares in companies, and land, were made between April 1999 and October 2001. It is also alleged that Murphy transferred £340,000 in cash to a trust for his children, which was used to buy a property in Dundalk. The Official Assignee seeks various orders and declarations, including that the assets be held in trust for the bankruptcy estate. The case was adjourned to a date in November.
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.
Four men have been granted bail by the Special Criminal Court following their appearance on charges relating to alleged ATM theft attempts across the border region. Gerard Duffy, aged 29, Ciaran Duffy, aged 26, and Stephen Duffy, aged 34, all from County Monaghan, along with Niall Finnegan, aged 38, from County Armagh, face charges under the Offences Against the State Act alleging involvement in a criminal organisation. The charges arise from investigations into attempted ATM thefts at Virginia, County Cavan, in August 2019 and Castleblayney, County Monaghan, in April 2019. Bail conditions imposed include residence at named addresses, passport surrender, daily reporting to Castleblayney Garda Station, curfew compliance, and prohibition on mutual contact except for legal purposes. The accused are also barred from contacting prospective witnesses. Justice Tony Hunt adjourned proceedings to November 2nd to allow preparation of the Book of Evidence.
Four men appeared before the Special Criminal Court on Tuesday charged with involvement in attempted ATM thefts across Cavan and Monaghan during 2019. Gerard Duffy, aged 29, Ciaran Duffy, aged 26, both of Greagh, Loughnamore, County Monaghan, Stephen Duffy, aged 34, of Castleblayney, and Niall Finnegan, aged 38, of County Armagh, face charges under the Offences Against the State Act. The accused are alleged to have participated in a criminal organisation linked to attempted thefts at Virginia and Castleblayney, and the unlawful movement and possession of cash. The charges carry dates spanning April 2019 and August 2019. Legal representatives indicated that bail would be sought for all defendants, with applications for free legal aid also filed. The court heard that gardaí required verification of proposed bail sureties. Justice Tony Hunt adjourned proceedings to 31 August to allow inspection of the sureties and confirmed that legal aid, if granted, would be backdated to the hearing date.
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.
Former INLA member Dessie O'Hare, known as 'The Border Fox', is appealing a seven‑year sentence imposed by the Special Criminal Court for falsely imprisoning a family in South Dublin. O'Hare, 63, was convicted of assaulting John Roche on 9 June 2015 and of falsely imprisoning Martin Byrne, his wife and son, on the same date. He received a three‑year term for the assault and a ten‑year term with three years suspended for the false imprisonment, the sentences running concurrently. The Court of Appeal has scheduled his hearing for 14 December. O'Hare's barrister, Mark Lynam BL, confirmed the client's intention to attend. He has prior convictions, including a 40‑year sentence in 1988 for false imprisonment and assault of a dentist, and firearm offences. The appeal concerns the length of the sentence, not the conviction itself. The case remains at the appeal stage. Dessie O'Hare pleaded guilty. Border Fox pleaded guilty.
Aaron Brady, 29, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe and to a robbery of about €7,000 on 25 January 2013 at Lordship Credit Union, Co. Louth. In his first court appearance he denied killing the Garda, denied participation in the robbery, and denied ever admitting to killing the Garda. Brady said he was at a diesel‑laundering yard on Concession Road, Co. Armagh, at the time of the shooting and that he had lied to Gardaí about his movements to avoid implicating himself in diesel laundering. He described a prosecution witness, Daniel Cahill, as a "lying psychopath" and claimed Cahill had assaulted him on St. Patrick's Day 2015. Brady also said he had no involvement in stealing a Volkswagen Passat used in the robbery and that he was not at Lordship Credit Union that night. He admitted to lying to Gardaí after the shooting and again ten days later.
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.
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.
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.