Double-killer John Gallagher has appeared in court in a case against his brother.
John Gallagher
The Co 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 one evening in 1988.
Gallagher appeared at Letterkenny Garda District Court as a witness against his brother Donal today.
Gallagher was tried for murder but was found to be insane. Twelve years later he escaped from custody in 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 27th October, 2012.
The court was told that John Gallagher was the only witness in the case.
Mr Gallagher, who also lives in Strabane, was in court for the hearing.
Judge Paul Kelly heard that CCTV taken from a camera in John Gallagher’s van will be used in evidence in the case.
The footage from the alleged incident was downloaded from the in-van camera and put onto a laptop and given to Gardai.
Garda Alan Harrington, the investigating officer in the case, had been forced off on sick leave however.
Solicitor for the accused, Mr Kieran Dillon, said his client was happy to press ahead with the case even without Garda Harrington.
However Judge Kelly said he would prefer to hear all the facts and evidence with Garda Harrington present.
He adjourned the case until May 18th.