Courts / Donegal / Report

Garda killer withdraws appeal against sentence for 'almost carbon copy' attack

Summary

A man convicted of manslaughter in the death of a garda has withdrawn his appeal against a sentence imposed for a separate incident at a Covid-19 checkpoint in Donegal. Martin McDermott, aged 39 and of Abbey Park, Manorcunningham, Co Donegal, pleaded guilty at Donegal Circuit Court in March 2022 to charges including endangerment, assault, drink-driving and driving without a licence. The offences occurred on 14 April 2020 when McDermott accelerated towards Garda Kilcoyne at a checkpoint near Raymoghey, Manorcunningham, forcing the officer to jump clear. Following a pursuit and crash, McDermott assaulted the garda by kicking him. Judge John Aylmer sentenced him to five and a half years, with the final nine months suspended. McDermott's appeal against sentence severity came before the Court of Appeal on 10 June 2024. Court President Mr Justice George Birmingham noted McDermott's previous conviction for the manslaughter of Garda Gary McLoughlin in 2009, describing the current offences as an "almost carbon copy" of that earlier incident. Following consultation with his legal team, McDermott withdrew his appeal.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Garda killer withdraws appeal against sentence for 'almost carbon copy' attack. Charges or matters: endangerment; assault; drink-driving; driving without a licence. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

• April 14, 2020 Incident
• March 2022 Incident
• 2024-06-10 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Appeal Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report