West Donegal pensioner (70s) dies after alleged assault

A pensioner from west Donegal has died following a serious assault on Sunday morning.

Derek Burns, who is aged in his 70s, passed away at Letterkenny University Hospital on Tuesday night.

Mr Burns was taken to the intensive care unit of LUH for treatment before losing his battle on Tuesday night.

His grandson, Derek Mulligan, has been charged in connection with an alleged incident.

Mulligan was hauled before a special sitting of Letterkenny District Court on Tuesday afternoon.

Flanked by detectives as he was brought to court, Mulligan was charged in connection with an incident at Carrickboyle, Derrybeg in Gaoth Dobhair.

Detective Garda Paul Dolan gave evidence of arresting and charging Mulligan, who made no reply.

Judge Alan Mitchell was informed that the 36-year-old Mulligan faces a total of five charges.

Mulligan is charged that on December 17th at Carrickboyle, Derrybeg, he intentionally or recklessly caused serious harm to Derek Burns.

This charge is contrary to Section 4 of the Non Fatal Offences Against the Persons Act.

He is also charged on the same date and place did cause criminal damage to a red Nissan Quashqai.

Mulligan, of Magheraclogher, Bunbeg is also charged with making a threat to kill or cause serious harm to a person known to him.

On the same date and location he is also charged with assaulting another person, who is also known to him.

He is further charged with the assault of a third person on the same date and at the same location.

Mr Rory O'Brien, solicitor for Mulligan, told the court that he was not making an application for bail.

Mr O’Brien asked that Mulligan receive psychiatric care while in hospital and that he should be immediately evaluated by a psychiatrist.

Mulligan further appeared before Judge Mitchell via video link on Wednesday morning.   

The case was adjourned to Letterkenny District Court on January 8, 2024 for Directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

A Garda spokesperson said: “Gardaí are investigating a serious assault which occurred in Derrybeg, Co. Donegal on Sunday morning, 17th December 2023.

“A man in his 70s was taken to Letterkenny University Hospital with serious injuries.

He was pronounced deceased late yesterday evening, 19th December 2023 in hospital.

“A man in his 30s arrested and detained by Gardaí in connection with this incident was charged and appeared before Letterkenny District Court yesterday, 19th December 2023.”