A man in his 20s has been remanded in custody following allegations of non-fatal strangulation and multiple other offenses in County Donegal, Ireland. The accused appeared before a special sitting of Letterkenny District Court on Saturday, January 17, 2026.
Allegations Detail Pattern of Abuse
The charges stem from two alleged incidents. According to Garda Rachel Carlin’s testimony, a woman contacted authorities on January 15, 2026, reporting issues with her ex-boyfriend. During an encounter in the Letterkenny area, the man allegedly pushed and bit the woman, leaving visible teeth marks on her hand and marks on her neck and chest. CCTV footage of this incident has been secured.
The woman further alleged that on December 21, 2025, while visiting the man’s home, he smashed a mirror, then pulled her back into the house after she attempted to leave, threatening her with the statement: “If I kill you, I will go to jail for years. Your death will be on my hands.” She alleged he then applied pressure to her neck while holding her legs against chairs.
The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, faces charges including intentional or reckless strangulation, damaging property with intent to endanger life, assault causing harm, damaging a hair clip, handling stolen property – specifically Dior Sauvage and Tommy Hilfiger aftershave valued at approximately €125 – and possession of cannabis. He reportedly made no reply when the charges were read to him on both January 16th and 17th.
Bail Denied Amid Safety Concerns
Sergeant Michael Devlin objected to bail, citing “great concerns” for the woman’s safety. He described the man as a regular cannabis user with “issues with alcohol” and an “extremely chaotic lifestyle.” The alleged victim herself told the court she fears for her safety, stating, “I want my safety…I need protection from him,” and noting a protection order is already in place.
Defense solicitor Mr. Rory O’Brien argued against the refusal of bail, asserting that the State had not presented sufficient “factual nexus” to justify the decision. He suggested strict conditions could be imposed to ensure the man’s compliance and prevent contact with the alleged victim.
Judge Emile Daly, however, sided with the prosecution, stating the evidence presented was sufficient to warrant denying bail. The man has been remanded in custody and will appear via video link at a future sitting of Letterkenny District Court pending directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific charges is the man facing?
The man is charged with non-fatal strangulation, damaging property with intent to endanger life, assault causing harm, damaging a hair clip, handling stolen property (aftershave), and possession of cannabis.
Did the accused man respond to the charges?
According to Garda evidence, the man made no reply when the charges were put to him on both January 16th and January 17th.
What was the judge’s reasoning for denying bail?
Judge Daly stated that the evidence presented was sufficient to refuse bail, citing the serious nature of the allegations and the potential risk to the alleged victim’s safety.
What factors might influence the DPP’s decision regarding this case and the potential path forward?
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