Donegal Daily
  • News
  • Sport
  • Courts
  • Jobs
  • Business
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • Politics
  • Features
  • Donegal County Council News
Sunday 17°CMonday 18°C

Donegal Daily Donegal Daily

sponsor banner
sponsor banner
  • News
  • Sport
  • Courts
  • Jobs
  • Business
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • Politics
  • Features
  • Donegal County Council News
News

Jail for man who spat in Garda’s face after St Patrick’s Day party

written by Chris McNulty July 15, 2021
FacebookTweetLinkedInPrint

A MAN who attempted to strike a Garda with a glass tumbler and spat in the face of another has been jailed.

Brendan O’Neill (31), with an address at Lawnsdale, Ballybofey, was before Letterkenny District Court this week.

O’Neill, who has 54 previous convictions, appeared via video link from Midlands Prison.

Sgt Collins told the court that on Match 17, 2016, Gardaí responded to reports of a house party with loud noise at Coill An Aigead, Ballybofey. When Gardaí attended, a number of people were present on the footpath.

O’Neill presented himself wielding a glass tumbler and confronted Gardai. Sgt Collins said the accused was ‘aggressive and argumentative’ and attempted to strike Sgt Lynch with the glass.

O’Neill was arrested and continued being violent in the Garda van.

In a search of the accused, Gardaí located a sharply-pointed blade in his trouser pocket. O’Neill kicked out at Garda Dunne and spat in his face.

O’Neill was also before the court on motoring charges following an incident at Trusk Road, Ballybofey, on April 6, 2016.

Solicitor, Mr Patsy Gallagher, said his client was addicted to cocaine at the time of these incidents.

“He sought help and he got help,” Mr Gallagher said. “He is anxious to put all matters behind him.”

Judge Deirdre Gearty sentenced O’Neill to four months imprisonment.

“He comes before the court with a colourful history,” Judge Gearty said.

For driving without insurance, O’Neill was fined €500 and disqualified from driving for two years.

Jail for man who spat in Garda’s face after St Patrick’s Day party was last modified: July 15th, 2021 by Chris McNulty
FacebookTweetLinkedInPrint

Tags:
BallybofeyBrendan O'NeillJudge Deirdre GeartyLetterkenny District CourtPatsy Gallagher
Chris McNulty

Author of 'Boxing In Donegal: A History (2021)' - the definitive history of the sport in County Donegal - and 'Relentless: A Race Through Time', the 2019 memoir of former Irish Athletics Team Manager Patsy McGonagle. From St Johnston and now based in Letterkenny, Chris was a nominee for NUJ Sports Journalist of the Year in 2010. Honoured by the Donegal Boxing Board in 2016 for his coverage on the sport.

LEAVE A COMMENT

You may also like

Lifford residents express concern over overgrown grass...

2 hours ago

An Garda Síochána face legal action over...

5 hours ago

Gardai seek owner of mountain bike found...

5 hours ago

Rain to give way to mini heatwave...

5 hours ago

Thousands of Donegal fans travel to Roscommon...

6 hours ago

‘Teachmeet’ for early years educators and primary...

18 hours ago

Killybegs to welcome more than 3,500 visitors...

19 hours ago

‘We are both fine’ – Daniel reassures...

21 hours ago

Dog wardens planning patrols across north west...

21 hours ago

Donegal gardaí warn over tarmac scammers using...

23 hours ago
Advertisement
Advertisement

Donegal County Council

Facebook
Donegal County Council
Advertisement
Advertisement
Donegal Daily Jobs

Read More

  • News
  • Sport
  • Courts
  • Jobs
  • Sales & Services
  • Obituaries
  • Features
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Council News

Information

  • Contact Us
  • About
  • Advertise WIth Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Terms & Conditions

Our Sites

Donegal Woman
Donegal Woman
Donegal Daily

© 2025 Donegal Daily. All rights reserved.
Website by owenod


Back To Top.

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OkPrivacy policy