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. 7321Possession of drugs for sale or supply · Co. Donegal · 17 Mar 2021

Pig farmer sentenced over ecstasy supply in Carndonagh, Co Donegal

On 17 March 2021 gardaí searched the home of Brendan McDermott, 38, and Danielle McDaid, 37, at Donagh Park, Carndonagh, Co Donegal, and found 445 ecstasy tablets worth €4,450 and cocaine on two plates in a bedroom. McDermott pleaded guilty to possession of drugs for sale and supply, and McDaid admitted possession of the drugs. At Letterkenny Circuit Court, Judge John Aylmer reduced McDermott's 18-month sentence to 12 months and replaced it with 240 hours of community service, while McDaid was fined €500 with six months to pay. The sentences were reported on 20 October 2023.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Verdictnot reported
  6. Sentenced20 Oct
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
  • Gardaí found 445 ecstasy tablets worth €4,450.
  • Cocaine was found on two plates in a bedroom.
Where
Gardaí searched the couple's home at Donagh Park, Carndonagh, Co Donegal.
When
The search took place on 17 March 2021.
Investigation
Forensic Science Ireland identified the tablets as MDMA or ecstasy.
Charges
  • McDermott pleaded guilty to possession of drugs for sale and supply.
  • McDaid admitted being in possession of the drugs.
In court
  • The case was heard at Letterkenny Circuit Court before Judge John Aylmer.
  • McDermott has 14 previous convictions, none for drugs.
Sentence
  • Before mitigation, the judge said the offence merited an 18-month prison sentence.
  • The sentence was reduced to 12 months for McDermott and replaced with 240 hours of community service.
  • McDaid was fined €500 and allowed six months to pay.
Other details
  • Weighing scales and zip-lock bags were also found in the house.
  • McDermott told gardaí he owned the drugs and was selling them to friends for a couple of euro each.
  • The judge warned McDermott that he would impose a custodial sentence if he appeared before the court again on such an offence.
17 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatGardaí found €4,450 worth of ecstasy tablets. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whatA total of 445 tablets were recovered. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whatCocaine was also found on two plates in a bedroom. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whereGardaí searched the couple's home at Donagh Park, Carndonagh. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whenThe search took place on March 17, 2021. (irishmirror.ie)
  • investigationForensic Science Ireland identified the tablets as MDMA or ecstasy. (irishmirror.ie)
  • chargeMcDermott pleaded guilty to possession of the drugs for sale and supply. (irishmirror.ie)
  • chargeMcDaid admitted being in possession of the drugs. (irishmirror.ie)
  • courtThe case was heard at Letterkenny Circuit Court before Judge John Aylmer. (irishmirror.ie)
  • courtMcDermott has 14 previous convictions, none for drugs. (irishmirror.ie)
  • sentenceBefore mitigation, the judge said the offence merited an 18-month prison sentence. (irishmirror.ie)
  • sentenceThe sentence was reduced to 12 months for McDermott. (irishmirror.ie)
  • sentenceThe 12-month sentence was replaced with 240 hours of community service. (irishmirror.ie)
  • sentenceMcDaid was fined €500 and allowed six months to pay. (irishmirror.ie)
  • otherThe house also contained weighing scales and zip-lock bags. (irishmirror.ie)
  • otherMcDermott told gardaí he owned the drugs and was selling them to friends for a couple of euro each. (irishmirror.ie)
  • otherThe judge warned McDermott that he would impose a custodial sentence if he appeared before the court again on such an offence. (irishmirror.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 20 Oct2023
    Sentencedirishmirror.ie, first report
    Pig farmer who set up drug dealing business as side hustle avoids jail

    Reports the sentencing outcome for McDermott and McDaid at Letterkenny Circuit Court, including the sentence and fine.

    convicted, Brendan McDermott, 38, male, named, irish (judged from name)Brendan McDermottconvicted, Danielle McDaid, 37, female, named, irish (judged from name)Danielle McDaid