Man enters guilty plea to violent disorder and drug-dealing in Letterkenny

A man has pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Letterkenny and also to drug-dealing in the town.

Martin McCarthy, who is in custody at Castlerea Prison, was brought before Letterkenny Circuit Court.

The 36-year-old of Cashelshanaghan, Letterkenny, pleaded guilty to four charges when he was arraigned before Judge John Aylmer.

McCarthy tendered a guilty plea to a charge of violent disorder, relating to an incident at Lower Main Street, Letterkenny, on August 20, 2025. The charge is contrary to section 15 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act, 1994.

He also pleaded guilty to criminal damage, contrary to section 2 (1) of the Criminal Damage Act, 1991. McCarthy admitted that he did, without lawful excuse, damage the window of a vehicle belonging to a woman at Cashelshanaghan, Letterkenny, on September 11, 2023.

The accused man pleaded guilty to being in possession of a controlled drug, MDMA, for unlawful sale or supply at CYMS, Courtyard Way, Letterkenny, on May 5, 2022. The charge is contrary to section 15 and section 27 (as amended by section 6 of the Misuse of Drugs Act, 1984) of the Misuse of Drugs Act, 1977.

McCarthy also admitted money laundering, a charge relating to various dates between September 2019 and December 2020. He is charged that he did engage in transferring property that was the proceeds of criminal conduct at Letterkenny Credit Union.

Mr Eugene Grant SC, barrister for McCarthy, instructed by solicitor Mr Conor Moylan, sought a probation report for McCarthy. 

Mr Grant said that McCarthy has not been before the Circuit Court.

Judge Aylmer requested a probation report, to include an assessment as to McCarthy’s suitability for community service.

McCarthy was remanded in custody until the next session of Letterkenny Circuit Court in May.