Trial for Donegal man over false imprisonment, strangling woman and burning car

A Donegal man accused of offences including false imprisonment, assault causing harm and criminal damage by fire to a car will go on trial before the Circuit Court.

The man, who is in his 30s and cannot be named at this stage for legal reasons, appeared at Letterkenny District Court via video link from Castlerea Prison, where he is in custody. 

The seven charges currently on the indictment relate to alleged incidents on different dates at locations in County Donegal.

He is charged with one count of false imprisonment of a woman. The charge is contrary to Section 15 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997.

The man faces a charge that he strangled a woman and caused her harm including by directly applying force to her neck impeding breathing. This charge is contrary to Section 3(a) of the Non-Fatal Offences against the Person Act as inserted by Section 31 of the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2023.

He is also charged with causing criminal damage by fire to a car valued at €9,500 and also with causing criminal damage of €170 to a window.

The charges are contrary to Section 2 of the Criminal Damage Act, 1991.

He is also charged with one count of dangerous driving, an offence contrary to Section 53 (1) of the Road Traffic Act, 1961 and with two counts of assault.

Garda Pauline Doherty gave evidence of serving a book of evidence on the accused man’s solicitor, Mr Donough Cleary.

Sergeant Maurice Doyle informed the court that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has consented to the accused being sent forward for trial to the next sitting of Letterkenny Circuit Court. 

Judge Éiteáin Cunningham, noting the DPP’s consent, made an order returning the man for trial. 

Judge Cunningham gave the alibi warning and made a section 56 order relating to videos of interviews.

Mr Cleary asked that two legal counsel be assigned in the case.

“They are very serious allegations,” Sergeant Doyle said. 

Judge Cunningham granted the two counsel and legal aid was previously extended to cover psychological and psychiatric assessment.

The court heard that there are other summary matters to be added to the indictment.