Ireland Two men sentenced over 2021 Ardara assault
On 7 June 2021, Joseph Melly was assaulted on Front Street in Ardara, Co. Donegal, and had to be taken to Sligo General Hospital. Mark Bonner, 24, of Derryhenny, Doochary, and Eoin Kitterick, 25, of Lough Head, Portnoo, were charged over the incident and each pleaded guilty to a separate assault charge under the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997. At Donegal Circuit Court before Judge John Aylmer, Bonner received a two-year sentence suspended for two years, and Kitterick's conviction was deferred with a €1,000 fine deferred until 8 December on condition of good behaviour. The sentencing was reported on 15 June 2026, with Bonner having transferred €10,000 and Kitterick €3,000 to the victim.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In courtnot reported
- Verdictnot reported
- Sentenced15 Jun
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- Two men pleaded guilty to separate assault charges over an incident in Ardara.
- Where
- The incident took place on Front Street, Ardara, Co. Donegal.
- When
- The incident took place on 7 June 2021.
- Cause
- The judge said Mark Bonner started the assault and had been drinking.
- Charges
- Bonner pleaded guilty to assault causing harm contrary to Section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997.
- Eoin Kitterick pleaded guilty to a charge contrary to Section 2 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997.
- In court
- The sentencing hearing was held at Donegal Circuit Court, sitting at Letterkenny Courthouse, before Judge John Aylmer.
- Sentence
- Bonner was given a two-year sentence, suspended for two years.
- Kitterick's conviction was deferred, and a €1,000 fine was deferred until 8 December on condition of good behaviour.
- Other details
- Bonner voluntarily transferred €10,000 in cash to the victim.
- Kitterick voluntarily transferred €3,000 to the victim.
- The victim had to be taken to Sligo General Hospital after the incident.
- The judge said the victim was fortunate not to lose an eye.
13 statements extracted from the articles
- whatTwo men pleaded guilty to separate assault charges over an incident in Ardara. (donegallive.ie)
- whereThe incident took place on Front Street, Ardara. (donegallive.ie)
- whenThe incident took place on 7 June 2021. (donegallive.ie)
- causeThe judge said Bonner commenced the assault and had been drinking. (donegallive.ie)
- chargeBonner pleaded guilty to assault causing harm contrary to Section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997. (donegallive.ie)
- chargeKitterick pleaded guilty to a charge contrary to Section 2 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997. (donegallive.ie)
- courtThe sentencing hearing was held at Donegal Circuit Court before Judge John Aylmer. (donegallive.ie)
- sentenceBonner was given a two-year sentence, suspended for two years. (donegallive.ie)
- sentenceKitterick's conviction was deferred and a €1,000 fine was deferred until December 8 on condition of good behaviour. (donegallive.ie)
- otherBonner voluntarily transferred €10,000 in cash to the victim. (donegallive.ie)
- otherKitterick voluntarily transferred €3,000. (donegallive.ie)
- otherThe victim had to be taken to Sligo General Hospital after the incident. (donegallive.ie)
- otherThe judge said the victim was fortunate not to lose an eye. (donegallive.ie)
The reporting
newest first- 15 Jun2026Men plead guilty to Ardara assault at Donegal Circuit Court
Reports the sentencing hearing: Bonner's suspended two-year sentence, Kitterick's deferred conviction and fine, the €10,000 and €3,000 payments to the victim, and the judge's remarks.
convicted, Mark Bonner, 24, male, named, irish (judged from name)Mark Bonneraccused, Eoin Kitterick, 25, male, named, irish (judged from name)Eoin Kitterickvictim, Joseph Melly, male, irish (judged from name)Joseph Melly