Judge warns Gweedore man over breaching bail terms

A man barred from attending his family home has been warned that he faces a return to prison if he breaches strict bail conditions again.

Patrick McLaughlin, a 67-year-old with an address at Lower Main Street, Letterkenny, was before Falcarragh District Court.

McLaughlin told the court that he visited the property at Meenacuing, Gweedore to see his mother, who had come home from Glasgow.

Judge Éiteáin Cunningham ordered McLaughlin not to return to that address. “You cannot go by invitation or otherwise,” Judge Cunningham said.

Sergeant John Gallagher said Gardai were summonsed to the property after a 'verbal exchange' took place at the door. Sergeant Gallagher said McLaughlin visited the house twice and was in breach of bail conditions by doing so.

“He shouldn't have gone there in the first place,” Judge Cunningham said. “We have gone through all of this before.

“He cannot, for any reason, attend at that property as he is restricted from doing so as part of his bail conditions.”

Judge Cunningham warned McLaughlin that Gardai would have no option but to bring an application to revoke his bail if he was in continued breach of his bail conditions.

Judge Cunningham told the accused that he would go back to prison if he didn't adhere to the conditions

“I won't go back near the place again,” McLaughlin said.

“You better not,” said Judge Cunningham, who said she would convene a special court if necessary.

The matter was adjourned to April 19, 2023.