Derry Crown Court adjourned until Monday as a mark of respect

Derry Crown Court has been adjourned until Monday as a mark of respect following the sudden death of the court tipstaff Tracy Donaghey (52) after a short illness.

Ms Donaghey had worked as the Recorder's tipstaff or Court Crier since 2015.

She died suddenly on Tuesday shortly after being admitted to hospital leaving her husband Damien and two sons Rory and Michael. 

This morning in Derry Crown Court the Recorder Judge Neil Rafferty KC paid tribute describing the Coleraine woman as 'bubbly and bouncy' and said no one would ever be able to fill her shoes.

Judge Rafferty said that in reality Tracy Donaghey 'was not my tipstaff I was Tracey's judge.'

The previous Recorder of Derry Judge Philip Babington also paid tribute stating that Tracy had been 'taken far too early'.

He said that she was 'an excellent Court Crier' and went on to describe her as 'a ray of sunshine'.

Judge Babington said that Court work could often be 'disturbing and daunting' but Tracy had embraced the 'new world'.

Paddy McDaid also paid tribute on behalf of local solicitors stating that Tracy had always been helpful and 'looked after everyone'.

Following the tributes the court held a minutes silence and condolences were conveyed to Tracy's family then Judge Rafferty adjourned the Crown Court until Monday as a mark of respect.