Courts / Louth / Report

"This was done for money, nothing else": garda murdered for base motive, prosecution tell jury

Summary

The trial of Aaron Brady, 28, from Crossmaglen, Co Armagh, is ongoing at the Central Criminal Court before Mr Justice Michael White. Brady has pleaded not guilty to the alleged capital murder of Det Gda Adrian Donohoe and the robbery of approximately €7,000 in cash and cheques at Lordship Credit Union, Bellurgan, Co Louth, on January 25, 2013. Prosecution counsel Brendan Grehan SC opened the case, alleging that a gang of four raiders targeted the Garda escort for a "base criminal motive" driven by money. He stated that one raider allegedly shot Det Gda Donohoe in the face with a shotgun, killing him instantly, while another threatened Det Gda Joe Ryan with a handgun. The prosecution contends the operation was highly organized, with the getaway car later found burnt out in South Armagh. Grehan argued that Brady was under financial pressure and allegedly lied about his whereabouts. Evidence will include CCTV, mobile phone data showing a "telecommunications blackout" during the incident, and conversations Brady allegedly had after moving to New York. The jury of 15 is hearing the prosecution's case, which relies on circumstantial evidence to link Brady to the crime. The trial continues.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: "This was done for money, nothing else": garda murdered for base motive, prosecution tell jury. Charges or matters: the capital murder of Det Gda Adrian Donohoe, who was then a member of An Garda Siochana on active duty, on January 25, 2013 at Lordship Credit Union, Bellurgan, Co Louth; a charge of robbing approximately €7,000 in cash and assorted cheques on the same date and at the same location. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• January 25, 2013 Other
• January 2013 Other
• August 5, 2011 Incident
• 2020-01-28 Publication

Why: Credit: Collins) A garda was murdered during a "slick, highly organised" operation carried out for a "base criminal motive", a barrister has told the Central Criminal Court. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Theft Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report