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Clonmany crash: 200 statements
taken
08.12.11
MORE than 200 witness statements have been taken as
part of the prosecution case against a man charged
with dangerous driving causing the deaths of eight
men in a crash last year, a court heard today.
The accused, Shaun Kelly (23) Hill Road, Ballymagan,
Buncrana, Co Donegal, appeared at Buncrana District
Court for service of the book of evidence.
However, the court was told that the book of
evidence was not yet ready.
Mr Kelly, who was wearing a black jacket and grey
trousers, is charged with dangerous driving causing
the deaths of Hugh Friel (66), Urris, Clonmany; Mark
McLaughlin (21) of Ballinahone, Fahan; Paul Doherty
(19), of Ardagh, Ballyliffin; Ciaran Sweeney (19),
of Ballyliffin; PJ McLaughlin (21), of Rockstown,
Burnfoot; James McEleney (23), of Meenaduff,
Clonmany; Eamon McDaid (22), of Ballymagan, Buncrana;
and Damien McLaughlin (21), of Umricam, Buncrana. |
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The accident happened
on July 11, 2010, at Meenaduff, Clonmany, as Mr
Friel drove home alone from the parish bingo in
Buncrana. The seven friends who died in the accident
were allegedly all travelling in Mr Kelly's black VW
Passat, registration number KHZ 7079.
Inspector David Murphy told the court this morning
that the book of evidence was not yet ready but he
expected it to be completed by January 12, 2012.
Defence solicitor Ciaran MacLochlainn said the book
of evidence was "substantial" with more than 200
statements and numerous exhibits, photos and maps.
Mr MacLochlainn said he had informed Donegal State
Solicitor, Ciaran Liddy, that he wanted to examine
the exhibits in the case. He expected to do so in
due course at a local Garda station. Mr MacLochlainn
said he had also requested to see the photos and
maps but he understood they were not yet ready for
inspection. "I think February would be a better
option," said Mr MacLochlainn.
Judge Paul Kelly said a date in February "sounds
reasonable" given what was involved in the case. He
remanded the defendant on continuing bail for
service of the book of evidence on February 9, 2012.
His bail terms as outlined at an earlier hearing
included his own bond of €500 and an independent
surety of €5,000 from his mother, Pauline Kelly. |
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