Donegal farmer in court for assaulting partner after row

A farmer who grabbed his former partner by the throat after a row broke out in bed has appeared in court.

Kevin McDermott appeared before a special sitting of Letterkenny District Court where he pleaded guilty to assaulting the woman.

The court was told that McDermott and the woman were in bed on June 1, 2021 when a verbal argument broke out between them.

McDermott, 36, got out of the bed and put his hands around the woman's throat and then pulled her hair.

The court was told that the accused, of Ballybree, Gleneely, Co Donegal, had no previous convictions.

McDermott's solicitor, Mr Patsy Gallagher, told the court that his client had no previous convictions.

He said the couple have a child together and there has been interaction between them since but nothing of a negative nature.

He added that McDermott was a small sheep farmer.

Solicitor Donough Cleary told the court that he has represented the woman previously and he thought there may be the need for a victim impact statement in the case.

Judge Ciaran Liddy agreed and adjourned the case until December 6, 2024 to hear a report from the victim.