Donegal man in court charged with serious assault of Garda - Donegal Daily

A probation report has been ordered on a Donegal man charged with seriously assaulting a Garda.Michael Sharkey is before Letterkenny District Court charged with...

A probation report has been ordered on a Donegal man charged with seriously assaulting a Garda.

Michael Sharkey is before Letterkenny District Court charged with 13 separate offences.

Sharkey, a 28-year-old with an address at Johnston’s Apartments, Meetinghouse Street, Stranorlar, was charged in relation to an incident on August 26, 2025 at Lower Main Street, Letterkenny.

He was charged with assaulting Garda Declan Roper and causing him harm. The charge is contrary to section 3 (1) of the Non-Fatal Offences Against The Person Act, 1997 as amended by section 20 of the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2023.

Sharkey was alleged to have spat in the face of the Garda and also kicked out at him.

Sharkey was further charged with using threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour in a public place, contrary to section 6 of the Criminal Justice Act (Public Order) Act, 1994, and with wilfully obstructing Garda Padraig McFadden, a peace officer acting in the course of his duty, contrary to section 19 of the same Act.

In relation to the same date, Sharkey was also charged with being intoxicated in a public place, contrary to section 4 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act, 1994 and with a section 2 assault on Garda Roper.

Sharkey, who also has had addresses at Lower Main Street, Letterkenny; Mullaghduff, Kincasslagh; and Glenard Park, Letterkenny, was charged with several other matters.

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They included three charges contrary to the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act, 1994 on Lower Main Street, Letterkenny, on May 4, 2026. They included public intoxication, using threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour and failing to leave the scene when directed.

He was also charged with four offences relating to an incident at Ard McCool, Stranorlar on January 18, 2025. They included assault, contrary to section 2 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997; causing criminal damage to a PVC door, contrary to section 2 (1) of the Criminal Damage Act, 1991; and being intoxicated in a public place.

Sharkey was also charged with causing damage to a holding cell at Letterkenny Garda Station by spitting on January 18, 2025.

Judge Ciaran Liddy, noting the “serious incident” at Lower Main Street on August 26, 2025, said he would refer Sharkey to the Probation Service for assessment.

If Sharkey is deemed suitable, Judge Liddy said he would impose 200 hours of community service in lieu of 12 months imprisonment on the assault causing harm.

Sharkey was remanded on continuing bail until December 7, 2026.