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. 9865Assault causing harm · Co. Donegal · 22 Feb 2025

Man sent forward for trial over alleged assault on garda in Stranorlar

Darin Reid, 36, of Convoy, is accused of assaulting Garda Rory McGowan at Knockfair, Stranorlar, on 22 February 2025. It is alleged that Reid spat at the garda, then punched him on the left eye, causing a black eye and marks on his chest. Reid was charged under section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997, and a book of evidence was served on him at Letterkenny Courthouse. At the Letterkenny District Court appearance, reported on 1 May 2026, the DPP consented to Reid being sent forward for trial, and the judge returned him for trial to the next sitting of Letterkenny Circuit Court, with bail continuing on the same terms and legal aid granted to his solicitor.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court29 Apr
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
  • The alleged victim is Garda Rory McGowan, a male garda.
  • The suspect is Darin Reid, a 36-year-old man of Convoy.
  • It is alleged that Reid spat at the garda and then punched him on the left eye.
Other details
  • The alleged assault caused a black eye and marks on the garda's chest.
  • Bail continues on the same terms and conditions.
  • Legal aid was granted to Reid's solicitor, and one legal counsel was assigned.
Where
The incident took place at Knockfair, Stranorlar, County Donegal.
When
The incident is dated 22 February 2025.
Investigation
Garda Pauline Doherty gave evidence of serving a book of evidence on Reid at Letterkenny Courthouse.
Charges
Reid is charged with assault causing harm under section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997.
In court
  • Reid appeared at Letterkenny District Court, which was reported on 1 May 2026.
  • The DPP consented to Reid being sent forward for trial to the next sitting of Letterkenny Circuit Court.
  • The judge made an order returning Reid for trial.
10 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatIt is alleged that Reid spat at a garda and then punched him on the left eye. (donegallive.ie)
  • whatThe alleged assault caused a black eye, and the garda also had marks on his chest. (donegallive.ie)
  • whereThe incident took place at Knockfair, Stranorlar. (donegallive.ie)
  • whenThe incident is dated 22 February 2025. (donegallive.ie)
  • investigationA garda gave evidence of serving a book of evidence on Reid at Letterkenny Courthouse. (donegallive.ie)
  • chargeReid is charged with assault causing harm under section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997. (donegallive.ie)
  • courtThe DPP consented to Reid being sent forward for trial to the next sitting of Letterkenny Circuit Court. (donegallive.ie)
  • courtThe judge made an order returning Reid for trial. (donegallive.ie)
  • otherBail continues on the same terms and conditions. (donegallive.ie)
  • otherLegal aid was granted to Reid's solicitor, and one legal counsel was assigned. (donegallive.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 29 Apr2026
    In courtdonegallive.ie, first report
    Man accused of serious assault of Garda in Stranorlar sent for trial

    Reports the District Court appearance at which the DPP consented to Reid being sent forward for trial, the book of evidence being served, and the bail and legal aid position.

    victim, Rory McGowan, irish (judged from name)Rory McGowanaccused, Darin Reid, 36, named, irish (judged from name)Darin Reid