Friday 30 October 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 14673Assault and threats to kill · Co. Donegal · 14 May 2019

Donegal mother and son plead guilty to assault and threats to kill

Brian McLaughlin, 32, and his mother Ciara McLaughlin, 50, both with addresses on Moyle Road in Milford, Co Donegal, were charged over an incident at Ard Clogher, Carndonagh, on May 14th, 2019. Brian McLaughlin is charged with assaulting Patrick Montgomery and with making threats to kill or cause serious harm through another person to Bernard 'Barney' Logue, while Ciara McLaughlin is charged with the same assault and with making threats to kill or cause serious harm through another person to Lisa Holmes. The pair first pleaded not guilty and were due to stand trial, but at Letterkenny Circuit Court they were re-arraigned and pleaded guilty. Judge John Aylmer adjourned sentencing to the October session of the court and requested probation reports, as reported on February 7th, 2025.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Convicted7 Feb
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
A mother and son pleaded guilty to assault and making threats to kill.
Where
The incident took place at Ard Clogher, Carndonagh, Co Donegal.
When
The charges relate to events on May 14th, 2019.
Other details
  • Brian McLaughlin, aged 32, and Ciara McLaughlin, aged 50, both have addresses at Moyle Road in Milford.
  • Brian McLaughlin's barrister said he has a history of psychiatric issues and has received treatment.
  • Ciara McLaughlin's barrister said she has previous convictions dating back to 2016.
Charges
  • Brian McLaughlin is charged with assaulting Patrick Montgomery at Ard Clogher, Carndonagh.
  • Ciara McLaughlin is charged with the same assault at the same location and date.
  • Brian McLaughlin is charged with making threats to kill or cause serious harm through another person to Bernard 'Barney' Logue.
  • Ciara McLaughlin is charged with making threats to kill or cause serious harm through another person to Lisa Holmes.
In court
  • The pair first pleaded not guilty and were due to stand trial before a judge and jury.
  • They were re-arraigned at Letterkenny Circuit Court and pleaded guilty to the charges.
Sentence
Judge John Aylmer agreed to requests for probation reports and adjourned sentencing to the October session of the court.
10 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatA mother and son pleaded guilty to assault and making threats to kill. (donegallive.ie)
  • chargeBrian McLaughlin, aged 32, is charged with assaulting Patrick Montgomery at Ard Clogher, Carndonagh on May 14th, 2019. (donegallive.ie)
  • chargeCiara McLaughlin, aged 50, is charged with the same assault at the same location and date. (donegallive.ie)
  • chargeBrian McLaughlin is also charged with making threats to kill or cause serious harm through another person to Bernard 'Barney' Logue. (donegallive.ie)
  • chargeCiara McLaughlin is also charged with making threats to kill or cause serious harm through another person to Lisa Holmes. (donegallive.ie)
  • courtThe pair had originally been due to stand trial before a judge and jury after pleading not guilty. (donegallive.ie)
  • courtThey were re-arraigned at Letterkenny Circuit Court and pleaded guilty. (donegallive.ie)
  • courtMr McLaughlin's barrister said he had a history of psychiatric issues and had received treatment, and asked for a probation report. (donegallive.ie)
  • courtMs McLaughlin's barrister said she had previous convictions dating back to 2016 and requested a probation report. (donegallive.ie)
  • sentenceJudge John Aylmer agreed to the requests and adjourned sentencing to the October session of the court. (donegallive.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 7 Feb2025
    Convicteddonegallive.ie, first report
    Donegal mother and son plead guilty to making threats to kill

    Reports the guilty pleas after re-arraignment, the specific charges against each accused, and that sentencing was adjourned to the October session with probation reports requested.

    convicted, Brian McLaughlin, 32, male, named, irish (judged from name)Brian McLaughlinconvicted, Ciara McLaughlin, 50, female, named, irish (judged from name)Ciara McLaughlinvictim, Patrick Montgomery, irish (judged from name)Patrick Montgomeryvictim, Bernard 'Barney' Logue, irish (judged from name)Bernard 'Barney' Loguevictim, Lisa Holmes, irish (judged from name)Lisa Holmes