Letterkenny man pleads guilty to endangering Garda's life by driving into him

A man has pleaded guilty to the endangerment of a Garda in Letterkenny by driving a car at him.

Garda Anthony Marren was struck by a vehicle being driven by Michael Connors on November 17, 2020.

Connors appeared before Judge John Aylmer at Letterkenny Circuit Court, where he was formally arraigned,

Connors, a 21-year-old of Ballymacool Woods, Letterkenny, spoke only to plead guilty to charges of endangerment and dangerous driving.

Connors was charged that, at Ballymacool Woods on the date in question, he did, intentionally or recklessly engage in conduct, namely driving a motorcar directly at Garda Anthony Marren and striking him, causing a substantial risk of death or serious harm.

The accused man was also charged that he did dive a vehicle in a public place in a manner, including speed, which having regard to all the circumstances of the case, including the condition of the vehicle, the nature, condition and use of the place and the amount of traffic which then actually is or might reasonably be expected then to be in it, was or was likely to be dangerous to the public.

A nolle prosequi was entered in respect of another charge.

Barrister for Connors, Mr Peter Nolan BL, told the court that his client has no previous convictions. He sought the preparation of a probation report, telling Judge Aylmer: “There is a background that you will need to know.”

Mr Nolan said the matter is a ‘serious one and there is a danger of a custodial sentence’.

Judge Aylmer adjourned the case until the October session of Letterkenny Circuit Court.