Courts / Louth / Report

Lawyers for Aaron Brady concerned about publicity from upcoming trial

Date
2024-04-08

Stage
Appeal

Primary locality
Jenkinstown

County
Louth

Summary

Lawyers for Aaron Brady, who shot Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe in 2013, warned that the upcoming trial for perverting the course of justice could generate damaging publicity. Michael O'Higgins SC told the Special Criminal Court that Brady is still awaiting the outcome of an appeal against his murder conviction. If the appeal succeeds, a retrial at the Central Criminal Court, which would involve a jury, may follow. O'Higgins expressed concern that media coverage could influence jurors and plans to apply to the court, citing the Irish Times v Murphy judgment on media reporting. The perverting the course of justice trial was adjourned to allow the defence to consider new evidence. Brady (33) and co‑accused Dean Byrne (30) are charged with conspiring to persuade State witness Daniel Cahill not to testify between April and June 2020, and with recording a video of a witness interview between February and May 2020.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Lawyers for Aaron Brady concerned about publicity from upcoming trial. Charges or matters: murdering Detective Garda Donohoe, a garda acting in accordance with his duties. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Convicted

When:

January 25, 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
April 8, 2020 Other
June 22, 2020 Other
February 20, 2020 Hearing Or Sentence
May 7, 2020 Hearing Or Sentence
August 2020 Hearing Or Sentence
2024-04-08 Publication

Why: Brady (33) of New Road, Crossmaglen, Co Armagh and Dean Byrne (30) 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

Appellant

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

Finding: Convicted

Outcome: Convicted; Brady's trial for perverting the course of justice was due to go ahead today but was adjourned until tomorrow to allow the defence time to consider additional evidence that has been served in recent days.

Dean Byrne

Co Accused

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