Donegal man accused of deliberately injuring Garda by driving into patrol car at speed

A Donegal man who allegedly deliberately drove into a patrol car injuring a Garda is to stand trial charged with dangerous driving.

Enda Gallagher appeared at Letterkenny District Court where he was served with a book of evidence in his case.

Garda Sergeant Jim Collins told the court that the Director of Public Prosecutions had consented for the accused to stand trial at the next sitting of Letterkenny Circuit Court commencing on October 28th.

The accused, wearing a black tracksuit, did not speak during the short court appearance.

He is charged with dangerous driving on June 20th, 2024 between the N14 at Raymoghey, Manorcunningham and Tullydonnell Upper, Convoy.

Gallagher, with an address at Coolboy, Kilmacrennan, is charged that he intentionally or recklessly engaged in a series of dangerous driving manoeuvres and eventually pulled a hand-brake turn when driving at speed attempting to evade Gardai, on a public road.

The charge also claims that when the accused man's vehicle came to a stop and was facing the marked Garda patrol car, he did then drive into said Garda car head-on at speed, injuring Garda Mulvaney and causing extensive damage to the patrol car, which created a substantial risk of death or serious injury to another.

The charge is Contrary to Section 13 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997.

Judge Brendan O'Reilly gave the alibi warning to the accused man.

Solicitor for the accused, Mr Patsy Gallagher, requested and was granted one counsel and was also given legal aid.