Adrian Donohoe murder: Man jailed for theft linked to fatal robbery

James Flynn from Newry was found guilty at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin in September

A man from Northern Ireland has been jailed for eight years over an armed robbery in which a garda (Irish police officer) was shot dead.

James Flynn, 32, of Ravens Glen, Newry, was previously convicted of breaking into a house and stealing the keys of a car later used in the robbery.

Det Garda Adrian Donohoe died after he was shot in Lordship Credit Union in County Louth on 25 January 2013.

The detective, who was 41, was married with two young children.

Det Garda Adrian Donohoe was shot dead during the armed robbery

Det Garda Donohoe one of two detectives on late-night duty who were escorting a cash collection at the rural credit union when the robbery took place.

His murder trial was told that staff were preparing to leave the building with the day's takings when they were approached by a gang of men who robbed them.

He was shot in the head and died at the scene.

Aaron Brady was found guilty in 2020 of murdering him.

No remorse

In September, Flynn was found guilty of conspiring with Brady and others to break into a house in Clogherhead, two days before the robbery and murder, to steal the keys of a Volkswagen Passatt.

The vehicle was later used as a getaway car.

The getaway car was found burnt out at Fews forest outside Newtownhamilton, County Armagh

Mr Justice Tony Hunt previously told the court Flynn "actively conspired with two companions to burgle house and secrete the car away for use of criminality".

However, he was not found guilty of the robbery of €7,000 (£6,000) at the credit union as there was a lack of direct evidence linking him to the crime.

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On Thursday, Irish broadcaster RTÉ reported the judge said Flynn knew the full purpose of the conspiracy to burgle the home and steal a car needed for the robbery.

Flynn, the judge added, did not plead guilty and had shown no remorse.

He was sentenced to nine years in prison with the final year suspended.