Key witness failed to give evidence in Garda Donohoe murder trial after threats

Judge: Decent people sick of criminals 'invoking the green flag' to intimidate witnesses

Aaron Brady was jailed for life. Picture Ciara Wilkinson

A key witness failed to give evidence in the trial of Aaron Brady for the murder of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe after receiving threats "backed by criminal or paramilitary elements", a High Court judge has heard.

Passing sentence on father-of-two Colin Hoey today, Mr Justice Michael White said he was "sure the vast majority of the decent people from south Armagh" were "sick and tired of criminals" invoking "the green flag" and intimidating witnesses.