Directions awaited for Gweedore man charged over grandfather’s death

Directions are still awaited in the case of a Gweedore man who has been charged in connection with the death of his grandfather just days before Christmas.

Derek Mulligan appeared by videolink at Letterkenny District Court on Monday.

The 36-year-old is charged that on December 17, 2023 at Carrickcoyle, Derrybeg, Gaoth Dobhair in the district area of An Clochan Liath, he did intentionally or recklessly cause serious harm to Derek Burns.

Mr Burns, who was in his 70s, passed away at Letterkenny University Hospital a number of days after the assault. The pensioner was being treated in the Intensive Care Unit of the hospital but subsequently died from his injuries.

Sergeant Maurice Doyle told the court that a file has been sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Sergeant Doyle said he anticipated that directions would be returned within two weeks and he applied for a two-week remand for Mulligan.

Solicitor Mr Rory O’Brien represented Mulligan, who said ‘that’s no problem’ when informed of the delay.

Judge Ciaran Liddy adjourned the matter until February 12.

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

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 also known to him.

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

A psychiatric report for Mulligan was previously directed by Judge Eiteain Cunningham.