Ireland Student apologises over Donegal Town Garda fracas, no conviction recorded
On 6 October 2024, gardaí escorting a group of males from a takeaway on Quay Street, Donegal Town, were confronted when the group became aggressive, and a melee left three officers injured. Mark Hughes, a 22-year-old man from Maguiresbridge, Fermanagh, who is a Queen's University student, was charged with resisting or wilfully obstructing a peace officer, Garda Gerard James Curtis, and other charges were taken into consideration. Hughes apologised in Donegal District Court at Ballyshannon Courthouse, and the three gardaí involved accepted the apology. The judge applied the Probation of Offenders Act, so no conviction was recorded, which was reported on 10 March 2026.
- Reported
- Arrested
- Charged
- In court
- Verdict
- Sentenced
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- Where
- The incident took place in Donegal Town on Quay Street.
- When
- The incident took place on 6 October 2024.
- The court outcome was reported on 10 March 2026.
- Cause
- Gardaí were escorting a group of males from a takeaway when the group became aggressive.
- Other details
- The group's aggression resulted in a melee that left three officers injured.
- Mark Hughes, 22, of Maguiresbridge, Fermanagh, is a Queen's University student.
- Charges
- Hughes was charged with resisting or wilfully obstructing a peace officer, Garda Gerard James Curtis.
- Other charges were threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour, and being intoxicated to the extent of being a danger to himself or others.
- The judge took the other charges into consideration.
- In court
- Hughes apologised for his part in the incident in Donegal District Court, Ballyshannon Courthouse.
- The three gardaí involved accepted Hughes's apology.
- The judge applied the Probation of Offenders Act in exceptional circumstances, noting Hughes had no previous convictions.
- Sentence
- Hughes was left without a conviction under the Probation of Offenders Act.
10 statements extracted from the articles
- whereThe incident took place in Donegal Town. (donegallive.ie)
- whenThe incident took place on 6 October 2024. (donegallive.ie)
- causeGardaí were escorting a group of males from a takeaway when they became aggressive, resulting in a melee that left three officers injured. (donegallive.ie)
- chargeHughes was charged with resisting or wilfully obstructing a peace officer, Garda Gerard James Curtis. (donegallive.ie)
- chargeOther charges against Hughes were taken into consideration by the judge. (donegallive.ie)
- chargeThe other charges were using threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour, and being intoxicated to the extent of being a danger to himself or others. (donegallive.ie)
- courtThe judge applied the Probation of Offenders Act, leaving Hughes without a conviction. (donegallive.ie)
- courtThe judge said she was applying the Act in exceptional circumstances, noting Hughes had no previous convictions. (donegallive.ie)
- otherHughes apologised in court for his part in the incident. (donegallive.ie)
- otherThe three gardaí involved accepted Hughes's apology. (donegallive.ie)
The reporting
newest first- 10 Mar2026Fermanagh man apologises for role in Donegal Town Gardaí ‘fracas’
Reports the District Court hearing, the apology, and the decision to apply the Probation of Offenders Act without conviction; other charges were taken into consideration.
accused, Mark Hughes, 22, male, named, irish (judged from name)Mark Hughes