Courts / Louth / Report
Interruption of key witness in Adrian Donohoe trial 'improper and regrettable', judge tells jury
Summary
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.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Interruption of key witness in Adrian Donohoe trial 'improper and regrettable', judge tells 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
- July 25, 2019 Other
- 2020-07-06 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
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
Defendant
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
Places mentioned
- New Road
- Crossmaglen
- Armagh
- Lordship Credit Union
- Mr Cahill's house
Topics
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