A young Convoy man accused of a serious assault has been granted permission to travel to Australia.
Liam McBrearty was granted bail after Letterkenny District Court approved an independent surety of €2,000, provided by his mother.
McBrearty, who also had to enter into his own bail bond of €2,000 in cash, had his passport returned having previously had to surrender his travel document.
McBrearty, a 23-year-old of Trentabuoy, Convoy, is charged that, on December 23, 2023 at Sister Saras, Ramelton Road, Letterkenny, he assaulted one Ronan Dorrian causing him harm.
The charge is contrary to Section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against The Person Act, 1997.
Sergeant Jim Collins said that while the State intended to oppose bail it accepted that the independent surety and the cash lodgement would allay any fears.
The €2,000 independent surety was provided by the accused’s mother, Kay McBrearty, who was present in court.
Directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) are still outstanding. Sergeant Collins said this may take ‘some time’ as a medical report will also be sought.
Mr Patsy Gallagher, solicitor for McBrearty, told the court that his client is going to Australia. He asked that he be excused from attending court on the next date the case is due to be mentioned, given that it will be ‘some time’ before directions are available.
Mr Gallagher had told the court that his client could proffer a cash lodgement in lieu of a signing on condition.
Bail conditions previously set included that McBrearty surrender his passport and remain in this jurisdiction.
McBrearty must also remain sober, commit no further offences and have no contact, either directly or indirectly, including by social media, with the alleged victim or any witnesses in the matter.
Judge Éteáin Cunningham approved the return of McBrearty’s passport.
Bail was granted in McBrearty’s own bond of €2,000 cash with an independent surety of €2,000.
McBrearty is to provide Gardai with a phone number and email address and must be contactable 24 hours a day, seven days a week.