Courts / Louth / Report
Aaron Brady trial transcripts published on Facebook despite court order
Summary
In May 2022, Aaron Brady's trial transcripts were posted on Facebook by his father, Tony Brady, despite a court order prohibiting further dissemination. The Court of Appeal heard that the transcripts had been released to lawyers on both sides in July 2021, but the father had shared them online with commentary that the Director of Public Prosecutions described as "dubious" and potentially contemptuous. Lawyers for Brady acknowledged the mistake and agreed the posts would be removed by the end of the day. The case was adjourned until July 1, 2022. The matter arose after Brady, convicted of murdering Garda Adrian Donohoe in 2013, had previously released trial materials on social media as part of a campaign to free him. The court noted that Brady's appeal was pending and that the transcripts should be used only for that purpose. The incident highlighted the court's concern over the unauthorized public release of sensitive trial documents.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Aaron Brady trial transcripts published on Facebook despite court order. Charges or matters: murder after he fatally shot Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe at Bellurgan, Co Louth, on January 25, 2013 – had released the transcripts and other trial materials on social media along with "dubious" commentary that could be a contempt of court; the murder of Det Gda Donohoe by an 11-to-one majority verdict at the Central Criminal Court on August 11, 2020. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Convicted
When:
- July 1 Adjournment
- January 25, 2013 Adjournment
- August 11, 2020 Hearing Or Sentence
- October 2020 Other
- 2022-05-27 Publication
Case subjects
Appellant
Charges: murder after he fatally shot Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe at Bellurgan, Co Louth, on January 25, 2013 – had released the transcripts and other trial materials on social media along with "dubious" commentary that could be a contempt of court; the murder of Det Gda Donohoe by an 11-to-one majority verdict at the Central Criminal Court on August 11, 2020 (Proven)
Finding: Convicted
Outcome: Convicted; Aaron Brady was also sentenced to 14 years for the robbery of €7,000 – a sentence that will run concurrently with the life sentence – at Lordship Credit Union in Bellurgen, Co Louth on January 25, 2013.; The case was adjourned until July 1.
Places mentioned
- Court of Appeal
- Central Criminal Court
- New Road
- Lordship Credit Union
Topics
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