Courts / Dublin / Report

Witness told family would 'get it' if he gave evidence against garda killer, trial hears

Summary

During a Special Criminal Court hearing, Detective Inspector Mark Phillips reported that witnesses who had spoken to Gardaí about Aaron Brady's admission of killing Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe feared retaliation if they testified. Phillips cited ten witnesses who did not attend Brady's 2020 murder trial, citing threats or intimidation from Brady's associates. One witness, Ronan Flynn, recorded a video interview in New York where he claimed to have heard Brady admit the murder on multiple occasions, and he expressed concern for his safety and his family's safety after receiving a warning that he would be "dealt with" if he returned to Ireland. Other witnesses, including Colin Hoey and Daniel Cahill, also reported intimidation or fear of harm. The court heard that Dean Byrne, charged with conspiring to pervert the course of justice, had attempted to influence Cahill's testimony. The hearing focused on the intimidation allegations and the witnesses' reluctance to testify, without addressing any verdicts or sentencing. Dean Byrne pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Witness told family would 'get it' if he gave evidence against garda killer, trial hears. Charges or matters: conspiring to persuade prosecution witness Daniel Cahill not to give evidence at Brady's trial in order to pervert the course of justice between April 8, 2020, and June 22, 2020; embarking on a course of conduct intended to pervert the course of justice on a date between February 20 and May 7, 2020. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• January 2019 Hearing Or Sentence
• July 2019 Other
• April 8, 2020 Hearing Or Sentence
• June 22, 2020 Hearing Or Sentence
• February 20 Hearing Or Sentence
• May 7, 2020 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2024-04-15 Publication

Why: Mr Byrne is on trial having pleaded not guilty to conspiring to persuade prosecution witness Daniel Cahill not to give evidence at Brady's trial in order to pervert the course of justice between April 8, 2020, and June 22, 2020. Prosecution account reported by CNI

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report