Donegal man faces trial over St Patrick’s Day burglary

A Donegal man has been returned for trial in connection with a burglary on St Patrick’s Day.

Travis Lafferty appeared before Letterkenny District Court this week where a book of evidence was served.

Lafferty, a 24-year-old of no fixed abode, is charged with a burglary on March 17, 2020 at St Bridget’s Crescent, Drumkeen.

Garda Pauline Doherty gave evidence of serving the book of evidence on Lafferty at Letterkenny courthouse.

Judge Éiteáin Cunningham made an order returning Lafferty for trial to the next sitting of Letterkenny Circuit Court, which commences on October 29. 

Judge Cunningham administered the alibi warning and made a section 56 order, relating to tapes of interviews.

Legal aid was granted to Lafferty’s solicitor, Mr Patsy Gallagher, and one junior counsel was assigned.

Bail was granted on the same terms.

Lafferty also faces seven charges of dangerous driving arising out of an incident on August 17, 2024. 

When Lafferty was arrested on that occasion, Gardaí discovered that an outstanding warrant was in existence for the alleged burglary.

Lafferty has been charged that on August 17 he drove a vehicle in a manner (including speed) which was dangerous to the public or was likely to be dangerous to the public.

The charges relate to a number of townlands including Ballymacool, Killyclug, Trentagh, Ballynakilly, Newmills and Conwal in the early hours of the morning when Gardaí had to use a stinger device to bring him to a halt.

That matter has been adjourned to March 3, 2025.