Friday 30 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. 16177Assault on a garda · Co. Donegal · 23 Nov 2023

Woman charged over kicking garda at Letterkenny Garda Station appears in court

Deborah Murphy, a 41-year-old woman, is accused of kicking Garda Rachel Keane in the stomach at Letterkenny Garda Station on 23 November 2023, the day gardaí were called to the Four Lanterns takeaway. Murphy was arrested under Section 4 of the Public Order Act and charged with assaulting Garda Keane, being drunk and disorderly, and provoking a breach of the peace. She appeared at Letterkenny District Court, where Judge Cunningham ordered a Probation and Welfare Report. The latest development is that the case was adjourned until 2 December.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court3 Sep
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
Deborah Murphy, 41, is accused of kicking Garda Rachel Keane in the stomach.
Where
The kick is said to have happened at Letterkenny Garda Station.
When
Gardaí were called to the Four Lanterns takeaway on 23 November 2023 after a woman was reported to be acting aggressively.
Cause
Garda Sergeant Maurice Doyle told the court that Murphy was drunk and acting aggressively towards members of the public.
Investigation
Murphy was arrested under Section 4 of the Public Order Act, handcuffed and taken to Letterkenny Garda Station.
Charges
Murphy was charged with assaulting Garda Keane, being drunk and disorderly and provoking a breach of the peace.
In court
  • Murphy appeared at Letterkenny District Court, where Judge Cunningham ordered a Probation and Welfare Report on her.
  • The case was adjourned until 2 December.
Other details
  • Garda Keane did not receive any serious injuries.
  • Murphy's solicitor said she is a mother-of-four who is alone after a failed relationship.
9 statements extracted from the articles
  • whereAt Letterkenny Garda Station, Murphy kicked Garda Rachel Keane in the stomach. (donegallive.ie)
  • whenGardaí were called to the Four Lanterns takeaway on 23 November 2023. (donegallive.ie)
  • causeMurphy was drunk and acting aggressively towards members of the public. (donegallive.ie)
  • investigationMurphy was arrested under Section 4 of the Public Order Act, handcuffed and taken to Letterkenny Garda Station. (donegallive.ie)
  • chargeMurphy was charged with assaulting Garda Keane, being drunk and disorderly and provoking a breach of the peace. (donegallive.ie)
  • courtDeborah Murphy appeared at Letterkenny District Court. (donegallive.ie)
  • courtJudge Cunningham ordered a Probation and Welfare Report on Murphy and adjourned the case until 2 December. (donegallive.ie)
  • otherGarda Rachel Keane did not receive any serious injuries. (donegallive.ie)
  • otherMurphy's solicitor said she is a mother-of-four who is alone after a failed relationship. (donegallive.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 3 Sep2024
    In courtdonegallive.ie, first report
    Woman who kicked a female Garda appears at Letterkenny District Court

    Reports the first court appearance of Deborah Murphy and the adjournment to December 2 for a Probation and Welfare Report. Adds the arrest, charges, the defence's account of her circumstances, and the judge's comments.

    accused, Deborah Murphy, 41, female, named, irish (judged from name)Deborah Murphyvictim, Rachel Keane, female, irish (judged from name)Rachel Keane