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06 Sept 2025
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06 Sept 2025
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Letterkenny courthouse
A solicitor representing a Derry man who is alleged to have headbutted a Garda and spat blood on his face at a Buncrana hotel has expressed frustration at the lack of progress in the case.
Rodney Bonnes has been in custody since his arrest on June 12, 2024.
Bonnes, a 39-year-old with an address at Kinsale Park in Derry, faces a series of charges over alleged incidents.
Bonnes appeared before a sitting of Letterkenny District Court after being brought from Castlrea Prison by prison officers.
Sergeant Gerard Dalton told the court that a book of evidence was not ready in the matter.
Mr Rory O'Brien, solicitor for Bonnes, said it was 'unfortunate' that the book was not ready. Asked by Judge Éiteáin Cunningham when the book is likely to be ready Sergeant Dalton asked for a two-week adjournement 'to get an update on where we are'.
“We are far past where we are meant to be,” Mr O'Brien said. “Mr Bonnes has been in custody for months with no progress. It is a Garda Siochana matter with gardai the majority of the witnesses. He needs some finalisation.”
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 Cunningham adjourned the matter to September 16 when Bonnes is to appear by video link.
“I would like the book to be served,” Mr O'Brien added.
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