Courts / Louth / Report

Garda killer's conspiracy trial delayed until appeal is heard

Date
2023-02-02
Stage
Appeal
Primary locality
Jenkinstown
County
Louth

Summary

Aaron Brady, aged 31, is awaiting a new trial for conspiracy to pervert the course of justice, a charge that arose from attempts to persuade State witness Daniel Cahill not to testify in the murder case of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe. The Special Criminal Court postponed the trial to April 8 2024 to avoid conflict with Brady's October appeal of his murder conviction. Brady and co‑accused Dean Byrne, aged 29, are accused of conspiring between April 8 2020 and June 22 2020 to influence Cahill's testimony, and of recording a video of Cahill being interviewed by Gardaí between February 20 2020 and May 7 2020. The video, circulated on social media, was described by Judge Michael White as "the most outrageous contempt of court" and a "deliberate attempt to intimidate." Brady was convicted in August 2020 of murdering Garda Donohoe and sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 40 years.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Garda killer's conspiracy trial delayed until appeal is heard. Charges or matters: murdering Detective Garda Donohoe, a garda acting in accordance with his duties. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Convicted

When:

Why: Brady (31) of New Road, Crossmaglen, Co Armagh and Dean Byrne (29) from Cabra Park, Phibsborough, Dublin, are accused of conspiring to persuade prosecution witness Daniel Cahill not to give evidence in order to pervert the course of justice between April 8, 2020, and June 22, 2020. Prosecution account reported by CNI

Case subjects

Aaron Brady

Background Person

Charges: murdering Detective Garda Donohoe, a garda acting in accordance with his duties (Proven)

Finding: Convicted

Outcome: Convicted

Dean Byrne

Co Accused

Charges: murdering Detective Garda Donohoe, a garda acting in accordance with his duties (Alleged Or Contested)

Places mentioned

Court Venue
  • Gda Adrian Donohoe. The Special Criminal Court
  • Court of Appeal
Facility
  • Lordship Credit Union
Secondary Mention
Residence

Topics

Stage Appeal Violent Crime

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

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