Letterkenny Courthouse

‘Stay out of Gweedore, full stop,’ Judge orders defendant

June 22, 2020

A 54-year old man has been ordered not to go near Gweedore ‘under any circumstances’.

Patrick McLaughlin of Meenacuing, Gweedore, appeared at Letterkenny District Court charged in connection with alleged incidents at the same address on Sunday last, June 21.

McLaughlin is charged with threatening to cause harm and of assaulting Patrick McLaughlin senior, his father.

It is alleged that McLaughlin caught his father by the throat, causing a shortness of breath.

“He threatened to stick a knife in him and threatened to rip open his sister,” Sergeant Jim Collins told the Court.

Gardaí objected to bail, based on the offence and the fact it was, said Sergeant Collins, ‘an ongoing situation’.

The defendant, the court heard, often resided at home with the injured party. Bench warrants have previously been issued for McLaughlin. Sergeant Collins said he feared that McLaughlin would return to the family home were bail to be granted.

Solicitor for McLaughlin, Mr Patsy Gallagher asked the court to consider bail on strict terms.

“We have been in this arena before,” Mr Gallagher said. “We accept the situation with the injured parties.”

Mr Gallagher proffered an address at Lower Main Street, Letterkenny, where he said a bed was available for his client.

Sergeant Collins said the address was not suitable and ‘wouldn’t help the situation’.

Judge Paul Kelly granted bail on McLaughlin’s own bond of €150. McLaughlin is to be of good behaviour, reside at the address given to Gardaí and to have no contact with any witnesses in the case.

“Stay out of Gweedore, full stop,” Judge Kelly told McLaughlin.

“Even if you are invited by your family, tell them that you can’t go.”

McLaughlin enquired as to how he would collect his sickness benefits and was informed he can pick these up in Letterkenny.

Judge Kelly told Mr Gallagher: “We can’t keep having this brought back week after week for the same type of offence.

“Explain in graphic detail to him that he cannot go to Gweedore under any circumstances.”

The case will before the July 15 sitting of Falcarragh District Court.


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