Courts / Louth / Report

Capital murder accused's DNA not found on items taken from scene, trial hears

Date
2020-02-12

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Dundalk

County
Louth

Summary

During a Central Criminal Court hearing, Dr Edward Connolly reported that forensic tests on numerous items from the scene of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe's fatal shooting found no DNA linking Aaron Brady, the accused, to the crime. Samples examined included swabs from cars, a hammer, cigarette butts, a handbag, car keys, chewing gum, gloves, a €2 coin, a shotgun cartridge, CDs, a plastic wallet, a Tayto crisp packet, a cable tie, a Starburst wrapper and a popcorn packet. Three unknown male DNA profiles were generated but matched no individuals in the national database; other profiles matched Garda or witnesses present. Brady, 28, pleaded not guilty to the capital murder and to a robbery charge at the same location and time. The trial continues before Mr Justice Michael White and a jury of 15.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Capital murder accused's DNA not found on items taken from scene, trial hears. Charges or matters: the capital murder of Det Gda Donohoe (41) 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
March 1, 2013 Other
August 2012 Other
August 2013 Other
2020-02-12 Publication

Why: The man told Mr Reilly that he had bought the car in August 2012 but he wasn't the registered owner because he wanted to keep the number of previous owners down. CNI source report

Case subjects

Aaron Brady

Accused

Charges: the capital murder of Det Gda Donohoe (41) 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 (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty