A Letterkenny man has appeared before court on charges including one of assaulting a garda.
John Boyle appeared before Judge Ciaran Liddy at Letterkenny District Court.
The 59-year-old of Leck Cottages, Oldtown, Letterkenny, was brought to Letterkenny courthouse in handcuffs amid a heavy garda presence on Wednesday evening.
Garda McDyer gave evidence of the arrest, charge and caution of Boyle, who was conveyed to Letterkenny Garda Station.
After being cautioned, Boyle told gardai: “It’s all lies. It’s lies. All lies”
Boyle was charged with assaulting Garda Neil Kemmy, a peace officer acting in the execution of the peace officer’s duty, knowing that he is, or being reckless as to whether he is, a peace officer acting in the execution of his duty. The charge is contrary to section 19 (1) of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act, 1994.
Boyle was also charged with a breach of the peace, contrary to section 6 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act, 1994, namely that he did use or engage in any threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace or being reckless as to whether a breach of the peace may be occasioned.
Boyle also faces charges to alleged incidents from October 2023, including two of assault causing harm, contrary to section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997, and a charge of obstructing a peace officer acting in the execution of his duty, contrary to section 19 (3) of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act, 1994.
Sergeant Jim Collins confirmed to the court that there was no objection to bail.
Boyle, who was represented by solicitor Mr Patsy Gallagher, must sign on every day at Letterkenny Garda Station; comply with any court orders that are in being; provide gardai with a mobile phone number and be contactable 24-7.
Boyle was granted bail in his own bond of €100 and legal aid was granted to his solicitor, Mr Gallagher, who said “these are quite serious matters”.
The case was adjourned to a sitting of Letterkenny District Court next week for formal directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.