The Omagh-born actor Gerard McSorley was  given the benefit of  the Probation Act when appeared before Letterkenny District Court today charged with threatening and abusive behaviour.

 

The court heard how on November 11, 2019 he had gone to Trinity Court sheltered accommodation in Newtowncunningham. 

 

McSorley had been evicted from the premises some time earlier and had been advised by staff that he should not return. 

 

The court heard staff at the centre had offered to pay for a taxi to take McSorley to his previous home in Gaoth Dobhair, however, he had refused the offer. 

 

Sergeant Gerard Dalton said: “Mr McSorley said that under no circumstances would he be returning to Gaoth Dobhair.”

 

Gardaí were called and McSorley began raising his voice and became verbally aggressive. He was arrested and taken to Letterkenny Garda Station. 

 

McSorley’s solicitor, Mr Kieran O’Gorman told the court his client had expressed remorse and was very apologetic for what had happened. 

 

Judge Paul Kelly asked Mr O’Gorman if McSorley had since found accommodation and he told him he had. 

 

McSorley is originally from Omagh, but has lived in Donegal for a  long number of years. 

 

Judge Paul Kelly applied the Probation Act.

 

He said: “Tensions were a bit high on the night so I will apply the Probation Act.”