Ireland Man sent for trial over alleged endangering of two gardaí in Bundoran
John Ward, a 40-year-old man of Country Meadows, Tuam, has been charged with endangering Sergeant Stewart Doyle and Garda Ronan Gallagher during incidents in Bundoran, South Donegal, on 25 December 2022. The charges under Section 13 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997, relate to alleged driving at a garda patrol vehicle at Drumacrin, a similar alleged incident at Finner, and alleged driving at an unmarked car at Magheracar. A book of evidence was served on him when he appeared before Ballyshannon District Court, reported on 17 February 2024, and Judge Patricia Cronin ordered him returned for trial. He is in custody at Castlerea Prison, and the latest development is that he is due at the Donegal Circuit Court sitting beginning 12 March 2024.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In court17 Feb
2 reports - Verdict
- Sentenced
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- John Ward, a 40-year-old man of Country Meadows, Tuam, has been charged with endangering Sergeant Stewart Doyle and Garda Ronan Gallagher.
- Where
- The alleged incidents took place in South Donegal, at Drumacrin, Finner and Magheracar, Bundoran.
- When
- The alleged offences took place on 25 December 2022.
- Cause
- It is alleged that he drove a vehicle at a garda patrol vehicle at Drumacrin, forcing Garda Gallagher to swerve left to avoid a collision.
- Charges
- The charges are made under Section 13 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997, and allege intentional or reckless driving.
- A similar charge relates to an alleged incident at Finner, Bundoran.
- At Magheracar, Bundoran, he is charged with driving at an unmarked car, endangering Sergeant Doyle.
- Investigation
- A book of evidence was served on him.
- In court
- He was brought before Ballyshannon District Court, Donegal, on a Friday, as reported on 17 February 2024.
- Judge Patricia Cronin ordered him returned for trial and gave the alibi warning, with DPP consent to the next sitting of Donegal Circuit Court beginning 12 March 2024.
- Sentence
- No sentence has been reported; the case has been sent forward for trial.
- Other details
- He is in custody at Castlerea Prison.
- Legal aid was granted to solicitor Gerry McGovern and two counsel were assigned.
25 statements extracted from the articles
- whatA man was charged with endangering two Donegal gardaí on Christmas Day. (donegallive.ie)
- whatA man has been charged with endangering the lives of two gardaí on Christmas Day. (limerickleader.ie)
- whereThe incidents involved two gardaí in South Donegal. (donegallive.ie)
- whereThe first charge relates to an incident at Drumacrin, Bundoran. (limerickleader.ie)
- whenThe alleged endangering took place on 25 December 2022. (donegallive.ie)
- whenThe incident occurred on 25 December 2022. (limerickleader.ie)
- causeHe is accused of driving at a garda patrol vehicle, forcing Garda Gallagher to swerve left to avoid a collision. (limerickleader.ie)
- investigationA book of evidence was served on him. (limerickleader.ie)
- chargeAt Drumacrin, Bundoran, Ward is charged with driving a vehicle at a Garda patrol vehicle, forcing Garda Gallagher to swerve. (donegallive.ie)
- chargeA similar charge relates to an incident at Finner, Bundoran. (donegallive.ie, limerickleader.ie)
- chargeAt Magheracar, Bundoran, Ward is charged with driving at an unmarked car at Tullaghan roundabout. (donegallive.ie)
- chargeThe Magheracar charge concerns a risk of death or serious injury to Sergeant Doyle. (donegallive.ie)
- chargeThe charges are contrary to Section 13 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997. (donegallive.ie)
- chargeA further charge relates to driving at an unmarked car at Magheracar, Bundoran, endangering Sergeant Doyle. (limerickleader.ie)
- chargeThe charges are made under Section 13 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997. (limerickleader.ie)
- courtA book of evidence was served on Ward, who is 40 years old and of Country Meadows, Tuam. (donegallive.ie)
- courtInspector Angela Cummins told the court that the DPP consented to Ward being sent to the next sitting of Donegal Circuit Court, which begins on 12 March 2024. (donegallive.ie)
- courtJudge Patricia Cronin ordered Ward returned for trial and gave the alibi warning. (donegallive.ie)
- courtHe was brought before Ballyshannon District Court, Donegal. (limerickleader.ie)
- courtThe DPP consented to him being sent forward to the next sitting of Donegal Circuit Court, which begins on 12 March. (limerickleader.ie)
- courtThe judge ordered Ward returned for trial and gave the alibi warning. (limerickleader.ie)
- otherWard was brought before Ballyshannon District Court on a Friday and is in custody at Castlerea Prison. (donegallive.ie)
- otherLegal aid was granted to solicitor Gerry McGovern and two legal counsel were assigned. (donegallive.ie)
- otherWard is in custody at Castlerea Prison. (limerickleader.ie)
- otherLegal aid was granted and two counsel were assigned. (limerickleader.ie)
The reporting
newest first- 17 Feb2024Man sent for trial for endangering two gardaí on Christmas Day
Reports that John Ward was brought before Ballyshannon District Court, charged with endangering Sergeant Stewart Doyle and Garda Ronan Gallagher, and returned for trial at Donegal Circuit Court from 12 March. Also gives the three charge locations, Section 13 of the 1997 Act, and that he is in custody at Castlerea Prison.
accused, John Ward, 40, male, named, irish (judged from name)John Wardvictim, Sergeant Stewart Doyle, irish (judged from name)Sergeant Stewart Doylevictim, Garda Ronan Gallagher, irish (judged from name)Garda Ronan Gallagher - 17 Feb2024Man sent for trial for endangering two Donegal gardai on Christmas Day
Reports that Ward was returned for trial at Donegal Circuit Court, with DPP consent, after appearing at Ballyshannon District Court. Adds the detail of each charge by location, the statutory basis, Ward's custody at Castlerea Prison and that legal aid was granted.
accused, John Ward, 40, male, named, irish (judged from name)John Wardvictim, Sergeant Stewart Doyle, irish (judged from name)Sergeant Stewart Doylevictim, Garda Ronan Gallagher, irish (judged from name)Garda Ronan Gallagher