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. 13590Assault · Co. Donegal · 5 Jul 2020

Woman pleads guilty to Letterkenny assault with drinking glass

Philomena O'Hara, a 49-year-old woman, pleaded guilty at Letterkenny Circuit Court to two charges relating to an incident with Loretta Kelly, a woman, at Broomfield Heights, Letterkenny, Co Donegal, on 5 July 2020. On 31 May 2025 she was arraigned by video link from Australia, where she is based, and Judge John Aylmer ordered a probation and welfare report and adjourned the case to October. The latest development is that O'Hara's solicitor said she plans to return to Ireland later this year.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court31 May
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
Philomena O'Hara, a 49-year-old woman, pleaded guilty to two charges at Letterkenny Circuit Court.
Where
The incident took place at Broomfield Heights, Letterkenny, Co Donegal.
When
The incident occurred on 5 July 2020.
Weapon
The article produced during the incident was a drinking glass.
Charges
  • O'Hara pleaded guilty to assaulting Loretta Kelly and causing her harm under section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997.
  • O'Hara also pleaded guilty to producing an article capable of inflicting serious injury.
In court
  • The accused appeared by video link from Australia, where she is currently based, and the prosecution consented to remote arraignment.
  • Judge John Aylmer adjourned the case until October.
Investigation
Judge John Aylmer asked for a probation and welfare report, including an assessment of suitability for community service.
Other details
O'Hara's solicitor said she is planning to come back to Ireland later this year.
11 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatPhilomena O’Hara pleaded guilty to two charges at Letterkenny Circuit Court. (donegallive.ie)
  • whereThe incident took place at Broomfield Heights, Letterkenny. (donegallive.ie)
  • whenThe incident occurred on July 5, 2020. (donegallive.ie)
  • weaponThe article produced was a drinking glass. (donegallive.ie)
  • investigationJudge Aylmer asked for a probation and welfare report, including an assessment of suitability for community service. (donegallive.ie)
  • chargeO’Hara pleaded guilty to assaulting Loretta Kelly and causing her harm under section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997. (donegallive.ie)
  • chargeO’Hara also pleaded guilty to producing an article capable of inflicting serious injury. (donegallive.ie)
  • courtThe prosecution consented to the remote arraignment. (donegallive.ie)
  • courtJudge Aylmer adjourned the case until October. (donegallive.ie)
  • otherThe accused appeared by video link from Australia, where she is currently based. (donegallive.ie)
  • otherHer solicitor said she is planning to come back to Ireland later this year. (donegallive.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 31 May2025
    In courtdonegallive.ie, first report
    Woman produced glass during Letterkenny assault

    Court report: guilty pleas entered to two charges, with the accused appearing by video link from Australia. The case was adjourned to October and a probation and welfare report was ordered.

    accused, Philomena O'Hara, 49, female, named, irish (judged from name)Philomena O'Haravictim, Loretta Kelly, female, irish (judged from name)Loretta Kelly