Thursday 29 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. 11392Assault causing harm · Co. Donegal · 16 Aug 2024

Man admits biting woman on Bundoran beach, court hears

A man before Ballyshannon District Court admitted assaulting a woman by biting her hand and leg on Bundoran beach, saying he acted in self-defence. He also faces charges of assaulting a male, criminal damage and public intoxication, and the case was adjourned to March 20.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court23 Jan
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
17 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatThe man admitted assaulting the woman and causing her harm. (donegallive.ie)
  • whatHe bit the woman on the hand and also on the leg. (donegallive.ie)
  • whereThe assault on the woman took place on Bundoran beach. (donegallive.ie)
  • whenThe offence took place on August 16, 2024. (donegallive.ie)
  • causeThe assault arose from an altercation regarding a dog and a ball. (donegallive.ie)
  • chargeThe assault charge is contrary to Section 3(1) and 3(2) of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997. (donegallive.ie)
  • chargeHe is charged with assaulting a male on September 23, 2024 at 9 Bundoran West End Accommodation. (donegallive.ie)
  • chargeHe is charged with criminal damage to a window blind on the same occasion. (donegallive.ie)
  • chargeHe is charged with being intoxicated to the extent of being a danger to himself or others at West End, Bundoran, on May 8, 2024. (donegallive.ie)
  • courtHe was before Ballyshannon District Court on Friday, January 16. (donegallive.ie)
  • courtThe DPP had directed summary disposal, and the matter was in for a decision on jurisdiction. (donegallive.ie)
  • courtThe judge accepted jurisdiction, so the case will proceed in the district court. (donegallive.ie)
  • courtPhotos of the injuries were handed into court. (donegallive.ie)
  • courtAll matters were adjourned to March 20. (donegallive.ie)
  • otherHe said he acted in self-defence. (donegallive.ie)
  • otherThe woman returned to her home, and there were no ongoing medical issues. (donegallive.ie)
  • otherLegal aid was granted to solicitor Gerry McGovern. (donegallive.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 23 Jan2026
    In courtdonegallive.ie, first report
    Man told gardaí he bit woman on hand and leg on Donegal beach ‘in self-defence’

    Court report on the Bundoran beach biting charge, with the accused's self-defence claim, the district court jurisdiction ruling, and the other charges against him. No existing case matches this matter.

    accused, Matthew Gallagher, 26, male, named, irish (judged from name)Matthew Gallaghervictim, femalevictim, male