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. 11811Possession of a weapon and corrosive liquid for use in an assault; assault causing harm · Co. Donegal · 5 May 2023

Man pleads guilty to possessing corrosive liquid and weapon for assault in Ballyshannon

Derek McDonagh pleaded guilty at Donegal Circuit Court to possessing a corrosive liquid and a pickaxe handle for use in an assault, and to assault causing harm, in Ballyshannon in 2023. The judge adjourned the case to the next sitting of the court.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Convicted11 Dec
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
8 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatDerek McDonagh pleaded guilty to possessing corrosive liquid and a pickaxe handle for use in an assault. (donegallive.ie)
  • whereThe offence was alleged to have happened at TJ Hughes Service Station, Cloghore, Ballyshannon. (donegallive.ie)
  • whenThe offence was alleged to have happened on 5 May 2023. (donegallive.ie)
  • weaponThe weapons were a pickaxe handle and corrosive liquid intended to cause injury. (donegallive.ie)
  • chargeMcDonagh was charged with assaulting Patrick Joseph Ward and causing him harm on the same occasion. (donegallive.ie)
  • courtMcDonagh admitted the offence and pleaded guilty to assault causing harm at Donegal Circuit Court. (donegallive.ie)
  • courtJudge John Aylmer granted legal aid to cover a psychiatric report and adjourned the case to the next sitting of Donegal Circuit Court. (donegallive.ie)
  • otherMcDonagh was granted bail with conditions, including a bond and staying away from Ballyshannon except for court purposes. (donegallive.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 11 Dec2025
    Convicteddonegallive.ie, first report
    Man admits to possessing corrosive liquid and weapon for assault in Ballyshannon

    Guilty pleas at Donegal Circuit Court, legal aid extended for a psychiatric report, and bail conditions. No existing case in the list matches this incident.

    convicted, Derek McDonagh, 34, male, named, irish (judged from name)Derek McDonaghvictim, Patrick Joseph Ward, male, irish (judged from name)Patrick Joseph Ward