Man sent for trial for endangering two Donegal gardai on Christmas Day

A man has appeared in court charged with endangering the lives of two Donegal gardai on Christmas Day.

John Ward has been forwarded for trial having been charged with endangering Sergeant Stewart Doyle and Garda Ronan Gallagher on December 25, 2022.

Ward, who is currently in custody at Castlerea Prison, was brought before Ballyshannon District Court on Friday.

A book of evidence was served on the 40-year-old, of Country Meadows, Tuam.

He is charged that, at Drumacrin, Bundoran, he did intentionally or recklessly drive a vehicle at an official Garda patrol vehicle forcing Garda Gallagher to swerve left in order to avoid a collision and creating a substantial risk of death or serious injury.

Ward faces a similar charge relating to an incident at Finner, Bundoran.

At Magheracar, Bundoran, Ward is charged that he did intentionally or recklessly drive at an unmarked car, which was in a stationary position at Tullaghan roundabout and narrowly avoided a collision with the vehicle's front passenger side, creating a substantial risk of death or serious injury to Sergeant Doyle.

The charges are contrary to Section 13 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997

Inspector Angela Cummins told the court that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has consented for Ward to be forward to the next sitting of Donegal Circuit Court, which commences on March 12 next.

Judge Patricia Cronin made an order returning Ward for trial and administered the alibi warning.

Legal aid was granted to solicitor Mr Gerry McGovern and two legal counsel were assigned.

“They are very serious charges,” Mr McGovern said.