Courts / Armagh / Report

Gardai concerned about potential witness intimidation in Lordship-related trial

Summary

At the Special Criminal Court, Det Inspector Mark Phillips raised concerns about potential witness intimidation if James Flynn (34) is released on bail. He detailed incidents during Aaron Brady's trial for the murder of Det Gda Adrian Donohoe in 2020, including alleged attempts by James Flynn's father, Eugene Flynn Snr, to intimidate witnesses and jurors. Det Insp Phillips also highlighted alleged intimidation by Tony Brady, Aaron Brady's father, and an associate who sent a Snapchat message to a witness. Aaron Brady has pleaded guilty to conspiring with another man to dissuade a vital prosecution witness from giving evidence at his trial. The court heard that James Flynn was extradited from the UK in 2022 and has access to significant funds. He was originally charged with conspiracy to steal cars and participation in the robbery of the Lordship Credit Union, where Aaron Brady killed Det Gda Donohoe. The Special Criminal Court acquitted Flynn of the robbery charge but found him guilty of conspiring to steal a Volkswagen Passat used as a getaway car. The Court of Appeal previously ruled that the amendment of the indictment against Flynn was a breach of his right to natural justice. Defence counsel Bernard Condon argued that there is no evidence linking Flynn to witness interference or flight risk and that Flynn has no connection to Tony Brady. Ms Justice Karen O'Connor adjourned the decision to tomorrow morning.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Gardai concerned about potential witness intimidation in Lordship-related trial. Charges or matters: conspiring with another man to dissuade one vital prosecution witness from giving evidence at his trial. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

• January 25, 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
• January 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2025-04-28 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Appeal Theft Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report