Five men before court for incident where gardaí were assaulted in Donegal Town

Five men have appeared before Donegal District Court in relation to an incident whereby a trainee garda and a number serving gardaí were assaulted and required medical attention.

The men, including two brothers and a 23-year-old who had plans to move to Australia, were brought before Judge Sandra Murphy on Wednesday, November 6.

Inspector Anthony Coyle asked that matters be adjourned to allow for directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Judge Murphy remanded all five men on bail to appear before Donegal District Court on March 5, when DPP directions are due to be heard.

Michael Flanagan, 21, of Bruscacnagh Road, Roslea, Fermanagh is charged that on  October 6 at Quay Street, Donegal Town, he assaulted Trainee Garda Reece Maldrum, assaulted Gadra Alan Gallagher causing him harm, and assaulted Garda Gerard James Curtis, causing him harm. 

He is also charged with threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour, and with being intoxicated to the extent of being a danger to himself or others.

Legal aid was granted to solicitor John Anderson.

His brother Darragh Flanagan, 18, of 46 Ervey Road, Eshnakerins, Roslea, Fermanagh is charged with assaulting Garda Alan Gallagher and causing him harm, and assaulting Trainee Garda Reece Maldrum as part of the same incident. 

He too is charged with threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour, and with being intoxicated to the extent of being a danger to himself or others.

Solicitor Gerry McGovern applied for legal aid.

Judge Murphy granted legal aid, saying: “He would seem to be a suitable candidate.”

Mark Hughes, 20, of 11 Dressoge Road, Maguiresbridge, Fermanagh is charged that on October 6 at Quay Street, Donegal Town, he obstructed peace officer Garda Gerard James Curtis. He is also charged with threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour, and with being intoxicated to the extent of being a danger to himself or others.

Legal aid was granted to Hickey, Henderson and Co Solicitors, Clones, County Monaghan.

Darragh Clerkin, 23, of 53 Deerpark Road,Derryheanlish, Roslea, Fermanagh is charged that on October 6 at Quay Street, Donegal Town, he resisted or obstructed Garda Paul Leape in the execution of his duty. He faces charges of  threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour, and with being intoxicated to the extent of being a danger to himself or others on the same occasion.

Inspector Molloy indicated that there may be further charges.

Barrister Roisin Haughey requested legal aid to be assigned to solicitor Roisin Courtney.

Judge Murphy granted the application.

Sean Lynam, 23, of 44 Bunnisnaggaple Road, Enniskillen is charged with threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour, and with being intoxicated to the extent of being a danger to himself or others at Tir Chonaill Street, Donegal Town on October 6. 

Solicitor Frank Murphy said his client had plans in place to emigrate to Australia on January 12. He asked if Lynam’s matters could be treated separately to those of the other four men, given that he planned to travel before the agreed date for DPP directions.

“Although linked, it is somewhat after the fact, more of a public order element. It seems to be of a lesser scale.”

Inspector Coyle said: “I can’t comment on that given the number of people involved.”

Judge Murphy pointed out that it was an ongoing investigation of a very serious matter that could not be concluded by January.

“While these charges don’t require DPP directions, he is a witness," she said. “I think he will have to postpone his travel plans for the moment.”

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