Courts / Dublin / Report

'Outrageous': defence barrister apologises for suggesting key capital murder trial witness engaged with dissidents

Date
2020-06-23

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

During a cross‑examination in a capital murder trial, defence barrister Daniel Cahill, 28, who was giving evidence via video link from New York, denied being a member of the "Ryan Crew" or Dublin Real IRA and insisted he was telling the truth when he said the accused, Aaron Brady, admitted shooting Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe on three occasions. Cahill also denied that he gave evidence to avoid deportation from the United States. He admitted being a childhood friend of Vincent Ryan and knowing Dean Evans, who murdered dissident republican Peter Butterly in 2013. Cahill said he had never been involved in criminal activity, had no interest in the Ryan "business", and had distanced himself from Ryan when he saw him wearing a bullet‑proof vest. The judge described the defence's suggestion that Cahill was engaged in Real IRA activity in 2012 as "outrageous" and "unacceptable". Aaron Brady pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'Outrageous': defence barrister apologises for suggesting key capital murder trial witness engaged with dissidents. 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:

March 2013 Other
January 25, 2013 Other
July 2019 Other
February 2016 Other
2020-06-23 Publication

Why: The witness said he did mention it to gardai on that occasion but he was working in a busy bar, the gardai were drinking and one of them told him she didn't want to talk about it because it upset her. CNI source report

Case subjects

Aaron Brady

Accused

Charges: 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 (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Daniel Cahill

Accused