Killer testifies against brother

Double-killer John Gallagher appeared in court in a case against his brother.

The Donegal man became infamous after he shot his ex-girlfriend, 18-year-old Anne Gillespie, and her mother Annie, 51, in the grounds of Sligo General Hospital in 1988.

Gallagher appeared at Letterkenny Garda District Court as a witness against his brother Donal yesterday.

Gallagher was tried for murder but was found to be insane. Twelve years later he escaped from Dundrum Central Mental Hospital.

Mr Gallagher’s brother Donal, 51, of Urney, Strabane, has been charged with criminal damage at Main Street in Lifford, Co Donegal on October 27, 2012.

The court was told John Gallagher was the only witness in the case.

Judge Paul Kelly heard CCTV taken from a camera in John Gallagher’s van will be used in evidence in the case. However,

Garda Alan Harrington, the investigating officer in the case, had been forced off on sick leave.

Solicitor for the accused Kieran Dillon said his client was happy to press ahead, but Judge Kelly said he would prefer if Garda Harrington was present and adjourned the case until May 18.