Lawyers 'concerned' over wait for evidence 20 years on from Denis Donaldson murder

Lawyers for Antoin Duffy, who faces charges related to the 2006 murder of former Sinn Féin official Denis Donaldson, have raised concerns over the prolonged delay in receiving the prosecution's book of evidence. Over two decades since the killing, the Director of Public Prosecutions has yet to provide the defense with the necessary materials to prepare for trial. Stephen Faulkner BL, representing Duffy, highlighted the issue during recent court proceedings, noting that the case has been scheduled multiple times for the service of the evidence but remains unresolved. Duffy, originally from Braade, Kincasslagh, County Donegal, is accused of murdering Donaldson and possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life. His legal team has stated that the ongoing delay complicates their ability to secure bail for their client. Gardaí have reportedly objected to bail applications due to the lack of evidence being made available to the defense. The state’s representative, Simon Matthews, confirmed that the book of evidence will be served to Duffy on 12 October next year, though this does not address the broader concerns surrounding the timing of the case. Separately, the state has indicated that it is prepared to serve a book of evidence relating to another charge against Duffy, alleged involvement in the attempted murder of Liam McGinley in Meenaboll, Churchill, County Donegal, on 19 November 2007. This incident, while distinct, underscores the complex legal landscape surrounding Duffy’s current indictment. His criminal history includes a 2015 conviction in Scotland for participating in a plot to assassinate members of the Ulster Defence Association (UDA). Following his release, he was arrested by Irish police in connection with the murder of Donaldson, with the assistance of the Garda Extradition Unit, the Garda National Bureau of Investigation, and the Irish Air Corps. Denis Donaldson, a former Provisional IRA member and high-ranking Sinn Féin official, was known for his close ties to prominent figures within the party, including former leader Gerry Adams. In 2002, he was implicated in an alleged spy ring, though these charges were later dismissed. Shortly thereafter, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) warned him that he would soon be revealed as an MI5 informant. Donaldson eventually confessed to working with both MI5 and the Royal Ulster Constabulary’s Special Branch, admitting to over two decades of covert operations. In December 2005, he held a press conference in Dublin where he publicly acknowledged his role as a double agent. After stepping away from public life, Donaldson lived in isolation at a cottage near Glenties in southwest Donegal. At the age of 55, he was found dead on 4 April 2006. The dissident republican group known as the Real IRA took responsibility for his murder. The circumstances of his death remain a subject of historical interest and ongoing legal scrutiny, particularly given the political affiliations and covert activities that defined his life. The case against Duffy continues to unfold amid broader discussions around justice, accountability, and the challenges of prosecuting crimes that span long periods of time. As the prosecution prepares to serve the book of evidence, the legal team for Duffy awaits further developments, hoping for clarity on how the case will proceed in the coming months.