Man charged with dangerous driving in Donegal and escaping custody at Sligo hospital

A man has been charged with escaping custody at Sligo University Hospital, as well as three counts of dangerous driving and resisting a garda in the course of his duty.

Jake Barret, 23, of Glen Road, Annagry was brought to Ballyshannon District Court from Castlerea Prison on Friday, January 16. Garda Gerard Curtis gave evidence of arresting the defendant in the body of the court that morning. 

Barret is charged with three counts of dangerous driving at Drumlonagher, Birchill and Spierstown, all townlands in Donegal Town, on September 22, 2025. The offences are contrary to Section 53(1) of the Road Traffic Act, 1961 as substituted by Section 4 of the Road Traffic (No 2) Act 2011.

He is further charged with resisting or obstructing Garda Gerard Curtis in the execution of his duty. That offence took place at the Mill Park Hotel, Donegal Town on the same date and is contrary to Section 19(3) of the Criminal Justice Act (Public Order) Act, 1994 (as amended by Section 185 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2006).

Also on September 22, 2025, the defendant is charged with escaping from Sligo University Hospital, The Mall, Sligo, while being in lawful custody there. That offence is contrary to Common Law.

Inspector Dermot Treacy told the court that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) directed that all matters be dealt with by way of summary disposal, meaning they are to be heard in the district court.

Solicitor Rory O’Brien said that there was an outstanding issue with disclosure of evidence, in that he was still awaiting CCTV footage to be furnished.

“I ask the state to provide CCTV footage as soon as possible,” he said. 

There was no application for bail. 

The defendant was remanded in custody to appear at Harristown District Court on January 23, where it is expected that he will be remanded back to Ballyshannon District Court on February 6.

Judge Éiteáin Cunningham granted legal aid in respect to Mr O’Brien.