Threw bowling balls, head butted patrol car while on bail

April 20, 2020

A DONEGAL man threw bowling balls and rocks at a patrol car and assaulted a Garda within three hours of being released on bail.

Brendan Boyle (aged 54) of Lower Main Street Letterkenny appeared before Letterkenny District Court via video link from Castlerea Prison.

The court heard that Boyle re-offended within three hours of his release on Thursday last, April 16.

Sergeant Jim Collins objected to further bail for Boyle, who is charged with two counts of criminal damage, two counts of assault and two public order offences.

“We had a situation within three hours of his release as he went back and committed a further two offences,” he told the court.

“The first, he threw three lawn bowling balls, one of which connected with a patrol car and in the other he threw rocks at the car. He proceeded to head butt the bonnet of the car.

“Gardaí were quickly on the scene and he was arrested. When he was taken back to the station, he allegedly assaulted a Garda.”

Sergeant Collins expressed concerns regarding ‘support systems’ that were in place for Boyle.

“I would be fearful of the supports that were in place last week when these offences occurred,” he said. “Had he taken medication and no other substance, we most likely would not be where we are.

“There are great concerns if he is released that will continue to take substances which will lead to the reoccurrence of offences of a serious nature.”

Solicitor for Boyle, Mr Kieran Dillon, said his client was ‘unwell’ at the time of the alleged offences.

“He has support structures and a permanent address,” he said. “Mr Boyle has medical appointments and a prescription to renew. The big thing is his medication.”

Addressing Judge Paul Kelly, Boyle said that a suggestion that he was on a controlled drug, spice, was ‘totally 200 per cent wrong’.

“I will explain what happened and I will do whatever the court asks me to do,” he said.

“There was a man living with me momentarily and he’s only out of prison. He was on the street with nowhere to go. His drink is Morgan Spice – that is where the ‘spice’ came out of.”

Judge Kelly granted bail on Boyle’s own bond of €100. He is to have no contact with any witnesses in the case and remain sober.

Boyle is due before Letterkenny District Court again on April 27.


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