Ciaran Ledgewood: Nephew Assaulted Mother with Hairdryer – Murder Case

Ciaran Ledgewood, whose uncle Tommy Donaghy was shot dead in 1991, is also accused of using a knife to attack his brother – although the court heard he told cops he was defending himself after his brother hit him with a shovel.

The 43-year-old was refused bail after he was charged at Derry Magistrates Court with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, possession of a knife, and assault causing actual bodily harm against his mother and brother.

Ledgewood, of Meadow Lands in Antrim, was charged with the offences that were said to have occurred on June 29.

Police were called by Ledgewood’s mother, who told them that he had been in her face until she slapped him, after which he was said to have hit her with a hairdryer.

Following this, the court heard that he was locked outside and tried to kick through the gate of the house.

He was then said to have thrown a garden statue that hit his mother on the head.

Ledgewood’s brother was then said to have tried to hold him back with a shovel before Ledgewood allegedly lifted a knife and wounding him.

When questioned, he admitted to throwing the statue but claimed that he did not mean to hit his mother with it.

He also denied the charges against his brother, claiming that it was self-defence.

His mother has refused to give a statement and his brother is said to be unsure if he will provide one.

Defence solicitor Brendan Kearney said that tensions had been high within the family after Ledgewood’s father had taken ill.

He added that Ledgewood has answered every question asked by police and had no convictions in ten years.

District Judge Conor Heaney described the charges as “very serious” and denied bail.

However, on July 10 Ledgewood was granted bail at the High Court and is listed to appear at Derry Magistrates Court on August 13.

Ledgewood is the nephew of Tommy Donaghy who at the time of his murder was a Sinn Féin community worker in the Kilrea area of County Derry.

His mother Mary Ledgewood Donaghy is the sister of Tommy Donaghy. Four years ago we reported how a shotgun found in the River Bann in 2021 was linked to his murder.

The republican, who had been part of the blanket protest while jailed in the Maze for IRA offences, was shot several times in the head as he arrived for work at Portna Fisheries on Lough Neagh.

News in 90 Seconds – July 23rd