Donegal councillor Frank McBrearty sent for trial over theft of colleague's phone
Donegal county councillor Frank McBrearty, 56, from Tullyvinney, Raphoe, was sent for trial at Letterkenny District Court on a charge of stealing a Samsung S21 Ultra phone valued at €1,000 from colleague Gary Doherty during a special council meeting at the Aura Leisure Centre, Sallaghrane, Letterkenny, on 11 July 2022. The case, under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001, was committed to Letterkenny Circuit Court commencing 28 October, where it will be fully contested with senior and junior counsel. McBrearty was released on a nominal bond of €100 after initially refusing to sign it, claiming gardaí had previously forged his signature. Free legal aid was granted and an alibi warning was issued by Judge Ciaran Liddy.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In court23 Sep
- Verdict
- Sentenced
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- A Samsung S21 Ultra mobile phone valued at €1,000 belonging to Gary Doherty was allegedly stolen.
- Where
- The alleged theft took place at the Aura Leisure Centre, Sallaghrane, Letterkenny, during a special meeting of Donegal County Council.
- When
- The alleged theft occurred on 11 July 2022.
- Charges
- Frank McBrearty, 56, from Tullyvinney, Raphoe, was charged under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001.
- Investigation
- Garda Gillian Page served the book of evidence on the accused, who made no reply.
- In court
- McBrearty appeared at Letterkenny District Court where the DPP consented for the case to go forward on indictment to Letterkenny Circuit Court commencing 28 October.
- The case will be fully contested, with senior and junior counsel granted and free legal aid awarded.
- Judge Ciaran Liddy issued an alibi warning.
- McBrearty was released on a nominal bond of €100 after initially refusing to sign it, claiming gardaí had previously forged his signature.
- Other details
- Solicitor Michael Staines was keeping a watching brief on behalf of Donegal County Council.
13 statements extracted from the articles
- whatThe stolen item was a Samsung S21 Ultra mobile phone valued at €1,000. (irishtimes.com)
- whereThe incident took place at the Aura Leisure Centre, Sallaghrane, Letterkenny. (irishtimes.com)
- whenThe alleged theft occurred on 11 July 2022. (irishtimes.com)
- investigationGarda Gillian Page served the book of evidence on the accused, who made no reply. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeThe offence is under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001. (irishtimes.com)
- courtFrank McBrearty appeared at Letterkenny District Court facing one charge. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe DPP consented for the case to go forward on indictment to Letterkenny Circuit Court commencing 28 October. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe case will be fully contested. (irishtimes.com)
- courtMcBrearty was released on his own nominal bond of €100. (irishtimes.com)
- courtJudge Ciaran Liddy issued the alibi warning and granted senior and junior counsel. (irishtimes.com)
- courtFree legal aid was granted to McBrearty. (irishtimes.com)
- courtSolicitor Michael Staines was keeping a watching brief on behalf of Donegal County Council. (irishtimes.com)
- otherMcBrearty initially refused to sign the bond, claiming gardaí had previously forged his signature. (irishtimes.com)
The reporting
newest first- 23 Sep2025Donegal councillor sent for trial charged with stealing phone of colleague
Court appearance where McBrearty was committed for trial at Letterkenny Circuit Court; case to be fully contested with senior and junior counsel appointed.
accused, Frank McBrearty, 56, male, named, irish (judged from name)Frank McBreartyvictim, Gary Doherty, irish (judged from name)Gary Doherty