Courts / Armagh / Report

Adrian Donohoe accused told girlfriend he was loading lorry

Date
2020-02-19

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Armagh

County
Armagh

Summary

The Central Criminal Court trial of Aaron Brady, 29, from Crossmaglen, Co Armagh, continued before Justice White. Mr Brady has pleaded not guilty to the alleged capital murder of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe (41) and the alleged robbery of approximately €7,000 in cash and cheques at Lordship Credit Union, Bellurgan, Co Louth, on January 25, 2013. Detective Inspector Mark Phillips testified regarding text messages sent by Mr Brady to his then-girlfriend, Jessica King, on the day of the incident. Mr Brady allegedly stated he was "loading the lorry" at 19:54, approximately 90 minutes before the shooting. Defence counsel Michael O'Higgins SC highlighted discrepancies between Mr Brady's account to gardai, who claimed he was in the yard for only 10 to 15 minutes, and the texts suggesting a longer duration. Mr O'Higgins also noted that the diesel laundering yard in south Armagh, where Mr Brady claimed to be working, was not searched by the PSNI. Inspector Phillips stated he did not recall suggesting a search and could not explain why it did not occur. The court adjourned the matter, with the jury instructed to return the following day.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Adrian Donohoe accused told girlfriend he was loading lorry. Charges or matters: the capital murder of Det Gda Donohoe (41) who was then a member of An Garda Siochana on active duty shortly before 8.30pm 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
February 2013 Other
2020-02-19 Publication

Why: They didn't even want to talk to me because I'm like a wasp this day. CNI source report

Case subjects

Aaron Brady

Defendant

Charges: the capital murder of Det Gda Donohoe (41) who was then a member of An Garda Siochana on active duty shortly before 8.30pm 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

Mark Phillips

Accused