Man charged with assaulting a garda on duty and endangerment of life

A 43-year-old man is to be sent forward for trial for alleged offences including assaulting a garda on duty, endangerment while driving, and refusing to give a sample.

Maurice Murphy of 3 Aghadrumsee Park, Rosslea, Fermanagh was before Ballyshannon District Court on Friday. Sergeant Stewart Doyle gave evidence of arresting the defendant, saying that Murphy made no reply when charged.

Inspector Angela Cummins told the court that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had instructed that the defendant be prosecuted by indictment at the circuit court on the following charges, all of which are alleged to have occurred on May 30, 2023: two counts of driving directly at oncoming vehicles, forcing the driver onto the hard shoulder or verge and creating a substantial risk of death or serious harm at Sminver, Ballyshannon; three counts of assaulting Garda Michael Connolly in the course of his duty at Finner and at Ballyshannon Garda Station; refusal to give a specimen at Ballyshannon Garda Station.

Judge Deirdre Gearty remanded the defendant on continuing bail. The matter was adjourned until May 17 for service of the book of evidence. Legal aid was granted to solicitor Rory O’Brien.