Soldier pleads guilty to serious assault of man in Letterkenny

A serving soldier has admitted a serious assault on another man in Letterkenny.

Ryan Diver appeared before Letterkenny Circuit Court this week.

The 31-year-old of The Grange, Letterkenny was before the court to affirm a signed plea of guilty entered at Monday’s sitting of Letterkenny District Court.

Diver is charged with assaulting Luke Doherty and causing him harm at Lower Main Street, Letterkenny on May 17, 2024. The charge is contrary to section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997

“I affirm, yes,” Diver said when asked by the court clerk if he affirmed his signed plea of guilty.

Mr Sean McGee BL, barrister for Diver, asked that sentencing be adjourned in the case.

He said his client is a 31-year-old member of the Defence Forces who is engaged and is the father of two young children.

Mr McGee told the court that Diver has no previous convictions and that a probation and welfare report would be a benefit in the case.

Judge John Aylmer sought a probation report to include an assessment on Diver’s suitability for community service.

The matter was adjourned to the next term of Letterkenny Circuit Court in February, 2026.