Court seeks probation report for Donegal woman ‘at end of her tether’

A probation report has been sought in the case of a Donegal woman who appeared before the courts charged with obstructing a peace officer.

The woman, who is in her 40s, appeared before Letterkenny District Court.

She was charged with obstructing a peace officer at her home in August, 2024.

Inspector Sean McDaid told the court that Gardai were called at 12.30am to the scene of a domestic disturbance. They met with the woman who reported that she was having “issues” with her son.

The woman began “roaring and shouting” at Gardai, the court heard. She became evasive as Gardai attempted to arrest her. 

The court was told that the woman sat down on the stairs, refused to cooperate and resisted arrest. Gardai deployed pepper spray and the woman was taken to Letterkenny Garda Station.

Inspector McDaid said the woman was “not assaultive, but resistive” in the incident. 

The woman’s solicitor, Mr Patsy Gallagher, said his client was “deeply embarrassed” by the incident.

Mr Gallagher said that the woman was “at the end of her tether” and that Tusla had been involved with the parties. He said the woman was “begging for assistance” and this incident was “the straw that broke the camel’s back’.

Mr Gallagher said that the woman had raised her son and has required assistance, but is now getting help from relevant medical personnel.

Judge Emile Daly said the case would benefit from a probation report and the case was adjourned to May.