Michael Brady denies drugs and rifle charges

This report is a localnews.ie summary based on public court reporting and records; sources are listed below.

Michael Brady has pleaded not guilty to all nine counts against him. The proceedings were reported on 15 March 2019, when his trial was continuing before the Special Criminal Court.

Brady, 54, is charged with possessing €1.5 million worth of cocaine, €1.26 million worth of heroin, an assault rifle and more than 180 rounds of ammunition at a property at Sallins Bridge, Sallins, Co Kildare, on 24 January 2017. The State says forensic evidence links him to some items found there and to the address.

Prosecution counsel Fiona Murphy SC said the property owner returned to clear the premises on 28 January 2017 and found apparent drugs and a firearm at the base of a bed. After a further warrant was obtained, gardaí found cocaine, heroin and €1,000 worth of cannabis, and seized an assault rifle and ammunition, she said.

Garda Marguerite Reilly said under defence cross-examination that she had not searched underneath the bed during the earlier search. She said the operation was fast-moving and she had left for another search site without briefing anyone about her search of the bedroom.

Judges had earlier ruled that Brady’s arrest and detention were lawful. The trial was before Mr Justice Paul Coffey, presiding, with Judge Gerard Griffin and Judge David McHugh.