A Stranorlar man accused of a serious assault on a Garda has appeared in court.
Darin Reid appeared before Letterkenny District Court in relation to separate incidents where he is alleged to have assaulted a Garda and made serious threats to another man.
Reid has been charged over an incident on February 22, 2025 at Knockfair, Stranorlar.
It is alleged that Reid spat at Garda Rory McGowan and then punched him on the left eye. Sergeant Jim Collins told the court that this caused a black eye on the garda, who also had marks on his chest where he alleged that Reid kicked and punched him.
Judge Eiteáin Cunningham refused jurisdiction in the case and the matter was put back to October 13 to allow for directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
Sergeant Vincent Muldoon gave evidence of further charging Reid in connection to another matter.
The 35-year-old, of Knockfair, Stranorlar, was charged in relation to an incident at Knockfair, Stranorlar, on September 10, 2023.
He was charged with making a threat to kill or cause serious harm to another, contrary to section 5 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997. When cautioned, he told Sergeant Muldoon: “No reply”.
Sergeant Jim Collins told the court that it is alleged that a man was standing in a field when Reid walked up a laneway and said: “You’re messing with the wrong boy. You’re going to get a life lesson. Your life is coming to an end.”
Judge Cunningham said this was a “very serious allegation and a very serious threat.” She said that at this stage it was an allegation, but was at the “very upper end” of the District Court’s jurisdiction. Judge Cunningham accepted jurisdiction and remanded Reid to appear again on October 13, 2025.
The court heard that Reid is on High Court bail, which includes a criminal damage charge, relating to an incident where Reid was alleged to have smashed two glass doors and caused an estimated €3,185.16 worth of damage.
Legal aid was granted to solicitor Mr Michael Shiel.
Tags: