Gweedore man accused of murdering grandfather has assault charges added to case

Two assault charges have been added to the overall indictment of a Gweedore man due to stand trial for the murder of his grandfather.

Derek Mulligan is accused of killing Derek Burns on December 19, 2023 at Carraig Mhic Giolla Chomhaill, Doirí Beaga.

Mr Burns, who was in his 70s, died at Letterkenny University Hospital a number of days after an assault last December. The pensioner was being treated in the Intensive Care Unit of the hospital but subsequently died from his injuries.

The 36- year-old Mulligan appeared by video link at Letterkenny District Court from Castlerea Prison.

His solicitor, Mr Rory O’Brien, said that the indictment has been provided to a senior counsel and all charges have now been placed on the indictment.

Mulligan is charged with assaulting Derek McFadden on December 17, 2023 at Carrickmacafferty, Derrybeg.

He is also charged with assaulting Breege McFadden on the same date at the same location.

The charges are contrary to Section 2 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997.

Previously, Mulligan was also charged with causing criminal damage to a red Nissan Qashqai.

Mulligan, of Machaire Chlochair, An Bun Beag, is also charged with making a threat to kill or cause serious harm to a person known to him.

Mulligan has had his trial date set for April 28, 2025 at the Central Criminal Court.

A previous court sitting heard that a psychiatric report has been ordered for the accused.