Courts / Armagh / Report

Capital murder accused's former solicitor Daniel McNamee gives evidence

Date
2020-07-20

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Armagh

County
Armagh

Summary

In the Central Criminal Court, Aaron Brady, 29, accused of capital murder and robbery, waived solicitor‑client privilege and gave a voluntary statement. His former solicitor, Daniel McNamee, testified that Brady had been advised not to testify if he had any involvement in the robbery and fatal shooting. McNamee explained that a witness statement does not carry the same legal protection as a suspect. Brady had previously told McNamee that he was loading diesel waste at a yard in Cullaville on the evening of the murder, but later claimed the forklift started and he spent 90 minutes to two hours loading diesel. Brady's statements to Gardaí on 5 and 6 February 2013 were voluntary. The trial, before Mr Justice Michael White and a 13‑person jury, continues with Brady pleading not guilty to both the capital murder of Garda Adrian Donohoe and the robbery of €7,000 in cash and cheques.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Capital murder accused's former solicitor Daniel McNamee gives evidence. 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:

February 2013 Other
February 5 Other
January 25, 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
2020-07-20 Publication

Why: The solicitor told defence counsel, Michael O'Higgins SC, that the accused man Aaron Brady was "extremely concerned" in early February 2013 because he was being linked to the murder on social media. Defence account reported by CNI

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