DPP directions awaited for man charged with headbutting Garda at Buncrana hotel

DPP directions are required in the case of a Derry man alleged to have headbutted a Garda and spat blood on his face at a Buncrana hotel,

Rodney Bonnes, who is also charged with assaulting a woman, appeared at Letterkenny District Court via video link from Castlerea Prison.

Solicitor Mr Rory O'Brien told the court that he was coming on record for Bonnes, a 39-year-old with an address at Kinsale Park in Derry, faces a series of charges over alleged incidents on June 12, 2024.

The court heard that directions remain outstanding from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Garda Sergeant Maurice Doyle said that a file is nearly completed and will be sent to the DPP's office shortly.

Mr O'Brien said his client has been in custody “for a significant period of time”. Mr O'Brien asked for as much expediency as is possible in the case.

“The allegations seem garda related and the ability to press the case is with the Gardai,” he said.

Bonnes is charged with assaulting Garda Kenneth Merritt and causing him harm by spitting blood in his face at the Inishowen Gateway Hotel.

Bonnes is also charged with assaulting Garda Merritt by headbutting him and causing him harm.

Bonnes faces a further charge of assault causing harm to a woman by punching her in the face at the Inishowen Gateway Hotel.

He is also charged that, at Buncrana Garda Station, he did obstruct a member of An Garda Siochana, Detective Garda Kieran Kelly, during the course of his duties.

The charge is contrary to section 160(2) of the Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence and DNA Database System) Act 2014.

Bonnes is also charged that he, without lawful excuse, damaged property at the Inishowen Gateway Hotel, namely that he smashed a bedside lamp and soiled a second bedside lamp with blood splatters.

Bonnes also faces a charge of being intoxicated in a public place.

Judge Éiteáin Cunningham adjourned the matter to a special sitting of the court for directions from the DPP.