A Stranorlar man is facing charges in court after allegedly assaulting a Garda officer.
Darin Reid appeared before Letterkenny District Court concerning separate alleged incidents involving the assault of a Garda and making serious threats to another individual.
Reid is charged in connection with an incident said to have occurred on February 22, 2025, at Knockfair, Stranorlar.
The prosecution alleges that Reid spat at Garda Rory McGowan before punching him in the left eye. Sergeant Jim Collins testified that the punch caused a black eye and that Garda McGowan also sustained marks on his chest from being allegedly kicked and punched by Reid.
Judge Eiteáin Cunningham declined jurisdiction in the matter and adjourned the case until October 13 to await directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
Sergeant Vincent Muldoon presented evidence of further charges against Reid related to a separate incident.
The 35-year-old, residing in Knockfair, Stranorlar, was charged concerning an incident at the same location on September 10, 2023.
He is accused of threatening to kill or cause serious harm to another person, in violation of Section 5 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997. Upon being cautioned, Reid responded with “No reply,” according to Sergeant Muldoon.
Sergeant Jim Collins informed the court that the accused allegedly approached a man standing in a field via a laneway and stated: “You’re messing with the wrong boy. You’re going to get a life lesson. Your life is coming to an end.”
Judge Cunningham acknowledged the “very serious allegation and a very serious threat.” She stated that while it remained an allegation at this stage, it fell within the “very upper end” of the District Court’s jurisdiction. Judge Cunningham accepted jurisdiction and remanded Reid in custody to reappear on October 13, 2025.
The court was informed that Reid is currently out on High Court bail related to a criminal damage charge, stemming from an incident where he allegedly smashed two glass doors, causing approximately €3,185.16 in damage.
Legal aid was granted to solicitor Mr. Michael Shiel.
Stranorlar man accused of giving Garda black eye and spitting at him was last modified: June 11th, 2025 by
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