Man charged over Ballybofey stabbing faces Circuit Court trial

A Donegal man charged over a stabbing incident in Ballybofey that left a man with possible life-changing injuries will stand trial.

Letterkenny District Court heard that the Director of Public Prosecutions has directed a trial on indictment before the Circuit Court for Tristan McAteer.

The 26-year-old McAteer, of no fixed abode, appeared before the court via video link from Castlerea Prison, where he is being held in custody.

McAteer has been in custody since being refused bail when he was hauled before a special sitting of Letterkenny District Court in October.

He has been charged with assault causing harm and with theft.

Sergeant Maurice Doyle told the court that the DPP has said the matter is to be prosecuted on indictment. A book of evidence will now be prepared in the matter.

A previous sitting of the court heard that a man has “very possibly” been left with life-changing injuries following the incident at a property on Navenny Street at around 9pm on October 16.

McAteer was charged that he assaulted one Stephen Doherty causing him harm. The charge is Contrary to Section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997.

The accused was also charged that on the same date and at the same location he did steal property - a 50 inch television, a Playstation 4 console and controller and a portable speaker - which was the property of Stephen Doherty.

The charge is Contrary to Section 4 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act, 2001.

When initially arrested, McAteer had to be pepper sprayed due to his aggressive behaviour.

Detective Sergeant Farry told the court that An Garda Siochana were objecting to bail and noted that the offences for which McAteer has been charged carry maximum sentences of 10 years in prison on conviction.

McAteer was represented by solicitor Mr Frank Dorrian and Judge Éiteáin Cunningham adjourned the case until a later date for the service of a book of evidence.

A co-accused in the case, Nadia Blake, a 25-year-old of Booragh, Ramelton, was granted bail in October when she was brought before a special sitting of the court charged with the same offences in relation to the same incident.

Blake was granted bail on condition that she reside at her home address, that she stay out of Ballybofey and Stranorlar, sign on three times a week at Letterkenny Garda Station and have no contact with Mr Doherty.