Former council officials face verdict in email deletion trial

A verdict is expected in the trial of former Mid and East Antrim Council officials Anne Donaghy and Aaron McClelland regarding the alleged deletion of emails to prevent disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act.

The charges stem from emails concerning the operation of the Northern Ireland Protocol following Brexit. Specifically, the case involves a January 2021 letter sent by Donaghy to the Home Office regarding border posts at Larne Port and alleged threats to council workers. The prosecution alleges that Donaghy attempted to delete instances of the email that had been forwarded to nine Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) representatives, including then-first minister Baroness Arlene Foster.

Donaghy faces charges of deleting and attempting to delete an email to prevent information disclosure, as well as procuring the deletion of an email. McClelland is charged with one count of attempting to delete an email. Both defendants deny the charges and did not give evidence during the two-day trial held at Ballymena Magistrates’ Court.