The detective who was with Adrian Donohoe on the night he was killed has told a jury he was threatened and in fear for his own life.

He was giving evidence in the trial of Aaron Brady from New Road, Crossmaglen, County Armagh, who is accused of capital murder and robbery.

On the night of Jan 25th, 2013, Joe Ryan, then a Dundalk-based detective, was assigned to provide an armed escort with his colleague Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe for the safe deposit of takings from local credit unions.

As they prepared to leave Lordship Credit Union in convoy with two other vehicles Mr Ryan said a car pulled up and blocked their way out.

Detective Donohoe got out to investigate and he said two armed men approached his side of the car.

Before he had a chance to draw his own weapon, he said he heard a loud bang and saw the flash of a shotgun being fired. He said he assumed it was a warning shot.

Next thing he knew, his door was open and the barrel of a shotgun was pointed at him. He said he was threatened and was in fear for his life.

He said he heard people shouting, “I’m going to shoot you, give us the money.”

After they fled, he said he saw Detective Donohoe lying in a pool of blood beside the car. He said he felt for a pulse, but already knew he was dead.

The trial continues tomorrow.

Reporting from Frank Greaney at the Central Criminal Court