Ireland Martin McDermott withdraws appeal against sentence for endangering garda at Donegal checkpoint
On 14 April 2020, at around 10.20pm, Martin McDermott, a 39-year-old man, allegedly accelerated towards Garda Kilcoyne at a Covid-19 checkpoint at Raymoghey, Manorcunningham, Co Donegal, forcing the garda to jump out of the way. He was later pursued by gardaí, crashed, and was found hiding in undergrowth, where he allegedly kicked the garda in the chest. In March 2022 McDermott pleaded guilty at Donegal Circuit Court to endangerment, assault, drink-driving and driving without a licence, and Judge John Aylmer sentenced him to a term with the final nine months suspended. On 10 June 2024 McDermott withdrew his appeal against the severity of that sentence at the Court of Appeal, and the court permitted the withdrawal.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In courtnot reported
- Verdictnot reported
- Sentenced11 Jun
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- McDermott allegedly accelerated towards Garda Kilcoyne, forcing him to jump out of the way.
- McDermott was pursued by gardaí before crashing, and was then found hiding in undergrowth.
- McDermott allegedly kicked Garda Kilcoyne in the chest after he was found.
- Where
- The incident happened at a Covid-19 checkpoint at Raymoghey, Manorcunningham, Co Donegal.
- When
- The incident happened around 10.20pm on 14 April 2020.
- Other details
- McDermott is a 39-year-old man.
- McDermott was previously jailed for seven years for the manslaughter of Garda Gary McLoughlin in 2009.
- Charges
- McDermott pleaded guilty to endangerment, assault, drink-driving and driving without a licence.
- In court
- McDermott pleaded guilty at Donegal Circuit Court in March 2022.
- McDermott withdrew his appeal against the severity of his sentence on 10 June 2024, after consulting his legal team.
- Mr Justice Birmingham said the court would permit the withdrawal of the appeal.
- Sentence
- Judge John Aylmer sentenced McDermott to five and a half years, with the final nine months suspended.
- Donegal Live reported the sentence as four years and nine months, described as almost five years.
10 statements extracted from the articles
- whatMcDermott accelerated towards Garda Kilcoyne, forcing him to jump out of the way. (donegallive.ie)
- whatMcDermott was pursued by gardaí before crashing. (donegallive.ie)
- whatAfter being found hiding in undergrowth, McDermott kicked Garda Kilcoyne in the chest. (donegallive.ie)
- whereThe incident happened at a checkpoint at Raymoghey, Manorcunningham, Co Donegal. (donegallive.ie)
- whenThe incident happened around 10.20pm on 14 April 2020. (donegallive.ie)
- courtMcDermott pleaded guilty at Donegal Circuit Court in March 2022 to endangerment, assault, drink-driving and driving without a licence. (donegallive.ie)
- courtMcDermott withdrew his appeal against the severity of his sentence. (donegallive.ie)
- courtMr Justice Birmingham said the court would permit the withdrawal of the appeal. (donegallive.ie)
- sentenceJudge John Aylmer sentenced McDermott to five and a half years, with the final nine months suspended. (donegallive.ie)
- otherMcDermott was previously jailed for seven years for the manslaughter of Garda Gary McLoughlin in 2009. (donegallive.ie)
The reporting
newest first- 11 Jun2024Convicted garda killer who endangered another garda in Donegal withdraws appeal
Reports that McDermott withdrew his sentence appeal at the Court of Appeal on 10 June 2024 after consulting his legal team, and that the court permitted the withdrawal.
convicted, Martin McDermott, 39, male, named, irish (judged from name)Martin McDermottvictim, Kilcoyne, male, irish (judged from name)Kilcoyne