Hoax bomb warning led to Bundoran nightclub being evacuated and street closed

A hoax bomb warning in the early hours of St Patrick’s Day led to 150 patrons being evacuated from a Bundoran nightclub.

Ballyshannon District Court sitting on Friday, February 7 heard that gardaí responded to a phone call at 1.18am on St Patrick’s Day, 2024.

Inspector Sean McGuinness told the court that the caller said there was a bomb in Paris Nightclub.

“As a result, 150 patrons had to be evacuated along with staff, and the street closed,” said the inspector.

“The following day, gardaí contacted the phone number and spoke to Brian Logue,  of 9 Glenview Cottages, Omagh.

The 51-year-old man attended voluntarily at Ballyshannon Garda Station where he made full admissions.

He is charged that on March 17, 2024, at Main Street, Bundoran, he did knowingly make a false report tending to show that an offence had been committed. The offence is contrary to section 12(a) of the Criminal Law Act, 1976.

Inspector McGuinness said that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) directed that the matter was to be dealt with by summary disposal, meaning it would be heard in the district court.

Solicitor Gerry McGovern said that while his client had no previous convictions in the Republic of Ireland, he had previously had ‘some difficulties’ in Northern Ireland.

He added that Sergeant Matthew Murphy had taken the defendant under his wing. 

“I would like to have Sergeant Murphy in court when this matter is finalised,” said the solicitor.

Judge Sandra Murphy said it was a very serious incident, but having listened to what was said, she would accept jurisdiction and hear the matter in the district court.

Logue was remanded on continuing bail to appear again before Ballyshannon District Court on May 2.

Follow Donegallive.ie for coverage of news, sport and events across Donegal