Raphoe man who killed Garda facing extradition for new trial in North

September 9, 2024

A Donegal man who previously served a prison sentence for the manslaughter of a Garda near Buncrana is now facing a new trial in Northern Ireland.

Martin McDermott was convicted of the manslaughter of Garda Gary McLoughlin after he crashed into a patrol car near Buncrana, Co. Donegal, in 2009.

He was released but later found himself back in court.

The 39-year-old from Raphoe is serving almost five years imposed in 2022 after being convicted of forcing a garda to jump aside as he drove through a checkpoint in Co. Donegal.

McDermott almost ran over Garda Michael Kilcoyne during a Covid checkpoint in Co Donegal on the night of April 14th, 2020.

McDermott approached the checkpoint at Raymoghey, Manorcunningham around 10.20pm but accelerated towards Garda Michael Kilcoyne forcing him to jump out of the way.

He was pursued by gardaí before eventually crashing, but then assaulted the officer, kicking him in the chest after being found hiding in undergrowth.

The father-of-three, who has 115 previous convictions, admitted charges of endangerment, assault, drink-driving and driving without a licence.

He is now facing trial in Northern Ireland accused of assault and criminal damage in an incident in which it is alleged McDermott (39) tried to drag a man from a car.

An extradition hearing began this week to have McDermott eventually face trial across the border.

He is currently due to be released from prison here next year.

A ruling on whether McDermott’s latest extradition will be allowed will be made in the near future.

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